What does the service entail?
The first part of your consultation involves overview images of your skin. The nurse then completes a full head to toe visual assessment, educating the patient re normal lesions and marking those which warrant a closer examination. Those lesions are then marked up on the system. The nurse then uses the dermascope to image the marked lesions. Any suspicious lesions are then reviewed by our consultant. Should he deem a lesion to be of concern we will urgently refer you onto The Mater private hospital or Eccles Clinic. All removals are completely covered by private health insurance. The screening itself is not covered by private health insurance. If a patient wishes to pay privately to have a mole removed, this can be arranged (Nurse will discuss this with patient during consultation)
The cost and services?
1. Full mole mapping €180
2. Single mole screening €60
3. Upper body (to naval line) €120
4. Lower body mole screening €120
How long does it take?
1- Full mole mapping: 45mins – 1hr depending on how many moles the patient has.
2- Single mole screening: 15-20mins
3- Upper body: 30-40mins
4- Lower body: 30-40mins
When do I get the results?
You will receive a phone-call from the screening nurses with your results within 3 weeks.
Is it covered by health insurance?
No the screening is not but we are lobbying the health insurers to cover screening.
What happens if something needs to be removed?
The process e.g referral etc? Am I covered by health insurance?
If you need to have a mole excised and removed, the clinic will contact you with your results. We then refer you directly on to the Eccles Clinic or The Mater Private. They in turn will contact you to arrange an appointment with them. As you have seen us in the clinic, you will not have to pay a consultation fee, and your private health insurance will cover the cost of the procedure.
Who does the screening? Nurse or Doctor?
A Fully Qualified Registered Nurse (Edel) who is specialised in dermoscopy and skin cancer carries out the screening process. Suspicious images taken are then reviewed by our consultant dermatologist.
Why should I get a screening done?
Skin cancer is on the increase in Ireland. Ireland is among the highest rates of skin Cancer in europe.
Irish people are at a greater risk due to their skin type.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No
I already attend a dermatologist annually and have had moles removed, should I avail of your service?
If you are already attending a dermatologist on a routine basis, we would advise that you continue with same.
Why should I attend your clinic? Advantages?
* Experienced medical team
* Latest in skin cancer detection technology
* Efficient and thorough service
* No long waiting lists
* Urgent referral process for removal of concerning lesions
* Each patient is given a disk of their mapping so they can monitor their moles between appointments.
How do I know if i need to get a mole checked?
If you notice any changes in size, shape or colour-ABCDE.
ASYMMETRY -Regular moles are round and symmetrical – if you were to draw a line down the middle they would be the same on both sides.
BORDER-The borders of early Melanomas are often irregular, wavy, or uneven.
COLOUR-A normal mole is a uniform colour all over and is generally brown or beige
through to skin tone colour. Any change in the colour of a mole should be investigated.
DIAMETER-A mole that is greater than 6mm.
EVOLVING-Look out for any changes in size, shape or colour.
How often will i need to get my moles checked?
As often as the Consultant thinks you require. We generally advise Annual screening for everyone.
Do you refer people on to the Eccles clinic for Cosmetic reasons?
We can refer a patient on for cosmetic reasons but the patient will have to pay a consultation fee of €150 before surgery.
How much does it cost to have a mole removed?
Without private health insurance an excision and biopsy costs just under €500. With private health insurance the patient does not have to pay anything.
At what age should you start getting your moles checked?
At least from the age of 18, after puberty is completed.
However, we can carry out screenings on request for children.
Do you do screenings on children?
Yes, on request
What is the most common place people get melanomas?
On the back in men (40%) and the legs of woman (40%)