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Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells—most commonly triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure—presenting primarily as Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), or Melanoma.

Key Risk Factors for Skin Cancer:

  • Excessive UV Exposure: History of chronic sun exposure, frequent tanning, or severe, blistering sunburns.

  • Skin Phototype: Fair skin, light hair, light-colored eyes, or skin that freckles and burns easily.

  • Multiple or Atypical Moles: Having a high total count of moles or dysplastic (irregular) nevi.

  • Genetic Predisposition: Family or personal history of skin cancer or melanoma.

  • Immunosuppression: A weakened immune system or ongoing immunosuppressive therapy.

  • Early Detection Value: Highly treatable and curable through minor surgical excision or dermatological surgery when diagnosed early.

Dr Cheng Hui Mei

Consultant Dermatologist

MBBS (Australia) · FAMS (Dermatology) · MOH-Accredited Specialist

Dr Cheng Hui Mei has more than 10 years of clinical experience, with a special interest in the prevention and management of skin cancer. She completed specialised training at the Melanoma Institute of Australia in Sydney, and was awarded a Master of Philosophy from the University of Sydney for her research on skin cancers. She previously practised as a specialist dermatologist at the National Skin Centre and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

Book An Appointment with Dr Cheng

Why Choose Dermally

Icon of a doctor wearing a stethoscope, representing a specialist skin cancer consultation

MOH-Accredited Specialists

FAMS (Dermatology)-qualified dermatologists

Clipboard and pen icon, representing a skin cancer screening checklist

Screening & Biopsy by Our Dermatologists

Skin examination, dermatoscope review and biopsy, all performed by your dermatologist

Map and location pin icon, representing DermAlly clinic locations

2 Convenient Locations

Camden Medical Centre & Katong i12

Symptoms

Skin cancers result from the abnormal growth of skin cells. There are two main categories of skin cancers - melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). The two most common NMSCs are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Labelled cross-section of skin showing how basal cell carcinoma develops through the epidermis and dermis

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is the most common type of skin cancer, and is the least aggressive form. Basal cell carcinomas appear as slowing-growing, pearly bumps that are usually red or pale in colour, that may occasionally ulcerate. They can affect any part of the body, but most commonly appear on sun-exposed areas, such as the face and neck.

Labelled cross-section of skin showing how melanoma develops from melanocytes

Melanoma

Melanomas are rarer compared to BCCs and SCCs. They are more deadly as these cancers have a greater propensity to spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Melanomas may develop as a “new mole”, or evolve from an existing mole. Clinically, they can present as a pigmented growth with irregular edges and with variations in colour. They may have no symptoms, but some patients may complain of bleeding, itch or pain. In the early stages, melanomas may look like regular moles to the naked eye, with telling features visible only when examined with a dermatoscope. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the skin, but are mostly likely to present on the legs in females, and on the trunk in men.

Labelled cross-section of skin showing how squamous cell carcinoma develops in the epidermis

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This commonly presents as a thick patch or a red growth that may become crusted or ulcerated. They may mimic eczema or may appear as a wound, hence a non-healing wound or patch of ‘eczema’ should be further evaluated to exclude this. SCCs also tend to occur on sun-exposed sites. They are more likely than BCCs to spread to other parts of the body, and may be fatal.

The ABCDE Rule Is A Useful Guide For Early Detection Of Melanomas

Diagram of a mole split by a dashed cross to show uneven halves, illustrating the A for asymmetry in the ABCDE melanoma checklist

Asymmetry​

If a line was drawn through the mole, both sides don’t look alike.

Diagram of a mole with a ragged outline, illustrating the B for border in the ABCDE melanoma checklist

Border irregularity​

The edges of the mole are ragged or blurred.

Diagram of a mole with two distinct shades of brown, illustrating the C for colour in the ABCDE melanoma checklist

Color​

The mole is non-uniform in colour.

Diagram of an irregular mole measured at 6 mm, illustrating the D for diameter in the ABCDE melanoma checklist

Diameter​

Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in size.

Diagram of a mole with satellite spots, illustrating the E for evolving in the ABCDE melanoma checklist

Evolving​

A mole that is changing in size, shape or colour over a short period of time.

Diagram of a mole split by a dashed cross to show uneven halves, illustrating the A for asymmetry in the ABCDE melanoma checklist
Asymmetry​

If a line was drawn through the mole, both sides don’t look alike.

Diagram of a mole with a ragged outline, illustrating the B for border in the ABCDE melanoma checklist
Border irregularity​

The edges of the mole are ragged or blurred.

Diagram of a mole with two distinct shades of brown, illustrating the C for colour in the ABCDE melanoma checklist
Color​

The mole is non-uniform in colour.

Diagram of an irregular mole measured at 6 mm, illustrating the D for diameter in the ABCDE melanoma checklist
Diameter​

Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in size.

Diagram of a mole with satellite spots, illustrating the E for evolving in the ABCDE melanoma checklist
Evolving​

A mole that is changing in size, shape or colour over a short period of time.

Skin Cancer Screening

To identify skin cancer, a screening examination is performed by a dermatologist. Your doctor would examine you from head-to-toe including sites that might be hard for you to examine yourself, which include the scalp, genitals and soles of the feet. The doctor may examine particular lesions more closely with a dermatoscope, which is a special magnifying device. Should there be any lesions that appear suspicious, your provider may recommend a skin biopsy. This is a simple surgical procedure in which the lesion is removed either partially or totally, and submitted to the laboratory for further analysis.

Dermatologist at DermAlly examining a patient's skin with a handheld device

Treatments

Topical creams

Cryotherapy

Surgery

Blood tests

You're In Good Hands

Our dermatologists will discuss a personalised treatment plan with you.

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Start your journey towards healthy skin today

Book an appointment with our expert dermatologists. Please select your preferred clinic below.

Camden Medical Centre
Katong i12