Skin Health
If you’ve found a new or changing mole, lump or bump, it’s natural to start searching online for answers. You may have come across terms like mole check, skin cancer check, skin cancer screening, mole scan and whole body mole mapping — but what do they actually mean?
The truth is that these terms are often used interchangeably, even though they can describe different types of appointments. At Enigma Healthcare, we believe it’s important to understand the differences, so you can book the appointment that’s most appropriate for you.
What is a mole check?
A mole check is a focused clinical assessment of a specific area of concern — a new mole, a mole that has changed in size, shape or colour, a lump or bump beneath the skin, a skin tag, a cyst, a lipoma, or another lesion you’re unsure about.
During your appointment, a Consultant Dermatologist or experienced GP will examine the area, usually using dermoscopy, before explaining their findings and recommending the most appropriate next steps.
What is a skin cancer check?
Many people use the phrase “skin cancer check” when they simply mean they want a professional to examine a suspicious mole or lesion. In reality, a skin cancer check isn’t always a separate type of appointment — at Enigma Healthcare, a mole check provides the clinical assessment you need.
Your clinician will examine the area carefully and advise whether it appears harmless, whether it should be monitored, or whether further investigation is recommended.
What about skin cancer screening?
There isn’t currently a national NHS screening programme for skin cancer in the UK in the same way there is for breast or bowel cancer. Instead, people who are concerned about a particular mole, or who have a higher risk of melanoma, are assessed based on their individual circumstances.
- No national skin cancer screening programme currently exists in the UK
- Assessment is based on individual symptoms and risk factors
- Higher-risk patients may benefit from ongoing monitoring instead
Where does whole body mole mapping fit in?
Whole body mole mapping is not designed to assess a specific worrying mole. Instead, it creates a detailed photographic baseline of your skin from head to toe. At future appointments, these images are compared against your baseline to help identify:
- New moles
- Changes in existing moles
- New skin lesions
- Subtle changes that may not be noticeable day to day
Choose the right appointment
Book a Mole Check if you’ve noticed a new or changing mole, lump, bump or skin lesion, or you’re concerned about one specific area and want expert advice.
Choose Whole Body Mole Mapping if you don’t have one specific concern but want to monitor your skin over time, you have lots of moles or a family history of melanoma, or you’d like a photographic baseline for future comparison.
Thinking about having a mole, cyst or skin tag removed?
Before most skin lesions can be removed at Enigma Healthcare, you’ll first need an assessment with one of our Consultant Dermatologists or Specialist Skin GPs, so we can confirm what the lesion is and recommend the most suitable treatment. Find out more about Mole, Lump & Skin Lesion Removal.
The safest approach is always to have a new or changing mole assessed by an experienced clinician.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure which appointment type you need?
Leave your details and question below and a member of our clinical team will get back to you — or call us on 01829 863 331.
Alice writes on skin health and dermatology services for Enigma Healthcare, working with our clinical team to keep guidance clear and current. Medically reviewed by Dr Ayaz Damani, Medical Director & General Practitioner.
