When Should You Get a Mole Checked? Dermoscopy Explained

Most people have between 10 and 40 moles on their body, and the vast majority are completely harmless. However, a small proportion of moles can develop into melanoma — the most serious form of skin cancer. Early detection is critical: melanoma caught at an early stage has a survival rate of over 98%, while advanced melanoma is much harder to treat.

The ABCDE Rule: Know Your Moles

Dermatologists use the ABCDE rule to help identify potentially concerning moles:

• A — Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other
• B — Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred
• C — Colour: Uneven colouring — shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue within a single mole
• D — Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller
• E — Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, or the development of new symptoms (bleeding, itching, crusting)

If a mole shows any of these features, or if you simply feel uncertain about it, booking a dermatological review is the right decision. Don't wait — changes to moles should always be assessed promptly.

What Is Dermoscopy?

Dermoscopy (also called dermatoscopy) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that allows dermatologists to examine skin lesions in high magnification and detail. A handheld device called a dermoscope illuminates and magnifies the skin structure beneath the surface — revealing features invisible to the naked eye.

This technology dramatically increases the accuracy of mole assessment. Studies show that trained dermatologists using dermoscopy detect melanoma with significantly greater accuracy than visual inspection alone. For patients, the procedure is completely painless — the dermoscope is gently pressed against the skin and held in place for a few seconds while the doctor examines the lesion.

What Happens at a Mole Check Appointment?

At Elite Medical & Dental Clinic, your mole check appointment with Dr. Malgorzata Noll-Zaurska begins with a full skin examination. You'll be asked about any moles you're concerned about, your skin history, family history of skin cancer, and sun exposure habits.

Dr. Noll-Zaurska will then examine each lesion of concern using digital dermoscopy. Where monitoring is recommended, photographic records are taken for comparison at future appointments. If a suspicious lesion is identified, she will recommend the most appropriate next step — which may include referral for biopsy, cryosurgery, or surgical excision.

Who Should Get a Mole Check?

We recommend a full skin check for anyone who:

• Has a personal or family history of melanoma or skin cancer
• Has a large number of moles (more than 50)
• Has fair skin, light hair, or light eyes — particularly if they burn easily
• Has had significant sun exposure or used sunbeds regularly
• Has noticed any change in an existing mole

When in doubt, book an appointment. Dermoscopy is a quick, painless procedure that takes less than 30 minutes — and it could make all the difference. Contact us at +353 85 102 4218 to schedule your skin check in Dublin.