Moles are a normal and common feature of the skin, but changes in moles can sometimes indicate skin cancer, including melanoma. Early detection is critical — when identified early, skin cancer is highly treatable. This is why regular, professional mole screening plays a vital role in long-term skin health.

At The Adare Clinic, mole screening is delivered through a medical, evidence-based dermatology approach, focused on accurate diagnosis, patient education, and appropriate follow-up care.

Why Mole Screening Is Important

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise. Many skin cancers develop slowly and painlessly, making them easy to overlook without proper assessment.

Mole screening aims to:

• Detect skin cancer at an early, treatable stage
• Identify atypical or high-risk moles
• Monitor changes over time
• Provide reassurance when lesions are benign

Early detection significantly improves outcomes and reduces the need for more invasive treatment.

Who Should Have Mole Screening?

Mole screening is recommended for anyone, but it is especially important if you:

• Have many moles or atypical moles
• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• Have fair skin, freckles, or light hair
• Burn easily or have a history of sunburn
• Have used sunbeds
• Spend significant time outdoors or travel frequently to sunny climates

Regular screening is a preventative measure — not just a response to visible change.

What Happens During a Mole Screening at The Adare Clinic?

At The Adare Clinic, mole screening is conducted by trained medical professionals using clinical assessment and dermoscopy, ensuring a thorough and reliable evaluation.

1. Comprehensive Medical Consultation

Your appointment begins with a detailed consultation, including:

• Personal and family history of skin cancer
• Sun exposure history
• Changes you may have noticed in specific moles
• General skin health concerns

This information helps identify individual risk factors and guides the examination.

2. Full Skin Examination

A full skin examination allows for assessment of both visible and less obvious areas, including:

• Scalp
• Back
• Behind the ears
• Soles of the feet
• Under nails

Many skin cancers occur in areas not easily seen during self-examination.

3. Dermoscopic Assessment

Suspicious or atypical moles are examined using a dermatoscope, a specialised tool that magnifies and illuminates the skin. Dermoscopy allows clinicians to see structures beneath the surface that are not visible to the naked eye, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy.

This step helps distinguish between:

• Benign moles
• Atypical lesions
• Lesions that require monitoring
• Lesions that may need biopsy or removal

4. Risk Stratification and Documentation

Each mole is assessed and categorised based on clinical features. Findings are documented, and where appropriate, lesions may be photographed for future comparison.

This allows for:

• Accurate monitoring over time
• Early detection of subtle changes
• Reduced unnecessary procedures

What Are the Possible Outcomes of Mole Screening?

Following your screening, one of several outcomes may apply:

Reassurance and Routine Monitoring

Many moles are entirely benign. In these cases, patients are reassured and advised on:

• Self-examination techniques
• Sun protection strategies
• Appropriate screening intervals

Short-Term or Long-Term Follow-Up

Some moles may appear atypical but not immediately concerning. These may be monitored over time to detect any change early.

Follow-up plans are tailored to individual risk profiles.

Biopsy or Removal

If a mole appears suspicious, further investigation may be recommended. This could involve:

• Biopsy
• Surgical excision
• Referral for specialist care if required

Early intervention ensures the best possible outcome.

What Mole Screening Does not do

Mole screening is not cosmetic mole removal. While benign moles can be removed for cosmetic or practical reasons, the primary purpose of screening is medical safety and early detection.

At The Adare Clinic, decisions are guided by clinical evidence, not unnecessary intervention.

How Often Should Mole Screening Be Done?

Frequency depends on individual risk factors:

• Low-risk individuals: every 1–2 years
• Higher-risk individuals: annually or as advised
• Patients with previous skin cancer: more frequent follow-up

Your clinician will recommend an appropriate schedule based on your personal risk profile.

Supporting Skin Health Beyond Screening

Mole screening is only one part of comprehensive skin care. Patients are also advised on:

• Daily sunscreen use
• Avoidance of sunbeds
• Protective clothing
• Regular self-skin checks

Education is a key component of prevention.

Why Choose The Adare Clinic for Mole Screening?

The Adare Clinic is committed to:

• Dermatology-led assessment
• Evidence-based diagnosis
• Patient education and reassurance
• Clear communication and follow-up
• Long-term skin health, not quick fixes

Every screening is approached with care, precision, and respect for patient wellbeing.

Mole screening is a proactive step in protecting your health. Whether for reassurance or early detection, professional assessment can make a life-changing difference.

At The Adare Clinic, mole screening provides clarity, confidence, and expert guidance — ensuring that concerns are addressed early and skin health is protected for the long term.

If you notice changes in your skin or simply want peace of mind, a professional mole screening is a responsible and preventative choice.