How often should I have my moles checked?

For most adults, once a year is enough. If you have more than fifty moles, fair skin, melanoma in the family or a history of sunburn, we recommend a check every six to twelve months. Between appointments, look over your own moles once a month.

How do I recognise a suspicious mole?

The ABCDE rule helps: A for asymmetry, B for an irregular border, C for uneven colour, D for a diameter over 6 mm, and E for evolution, meaning any change over time. A mole that itches, bleeds, weeps or looks conspicuously different from the others is also suspicious.

Can melanoma appear somewhere without a mole?

Yes. Around seventy per cent of melanomas arise on healthy skin rather than from an existing mole changing. That is why an examination also covers new lesions from recent months and the places you cannot normally see — the back, the scalp, the soles of the feet and the area under the nails.

Are moles dangerous if I rub or scratch them?

Accidentally injuring a mole does not turn it into a tumour — that is a widespread myth. However, if a mole bleeds repeatedly and without obvious cause, or fails to heal after an injury, that is a reason to have it examined. A mole that is repeatedly irritated because of where it sits is worth having assessed.

Are people who do not sunbathe still at risk of melanoma?

Yes, although the risk is lower. Melanoma also arises in places the sun practically never reaches — on the soles of the feet, under the nails or on mucous membranes. Heredity and the total number of moles play a part too. Avoiding the sun reduces the risk but does not eliminate it.

Mole check: when to be alert and what to expect from dermatoscopy

Everyone has moles. The average adult body has between 20 and 40 pigmented nevi, which form gradually from birth up to about age 35. Most are entirely harmless. Some, however, can change over time and become a warning sign of skin cancer — the most dangerous of which is melanoma.

A timely mole check by a dermatologist is one of the most important preventive examinations you should have on your health calendar.

Why mole checks matter so much

In the Czech Republic, approximately 2,500 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year. Its incidence has more than doubled in the last 20 years.

The key message is simple: melanoma diagnosed early is curable in 95 % of cases. Once it spreads to deeper layers and creates metastases, the chances of successful treatment drop sharply.

When you should come for a mole check

The general recommendation is to have a preventive mole exam once a year. Don't wait, however, if:

A mole is changing — growing, changing colour, shape or surface
It bleeds, itches or hurts
A new mole has appeared after age 35
Family history of melanoma (raises risk 2–8×)
You have more than 50 moles
You had severe sunburns in the past, especially with blisters
You repeatedly worked in the sun without protection or use tanning beds

ABCDE rule: how to recognise a suspicious mole at home

Check your own moles every 2–3 months.

A — Asymmetry. The two halves should match.

B — Border. Healthy moles have regular, smooth edges.

C — Colour. A safe mole has a uniform colour.

D — Diameter. Moles larger than 6 mm carry higher risk.

E — Evolution. Any change over time is the most important warning sign of all.

Tip: Photograph your moles in the same lighting every 3 months and compare.

What dermatoscopy is and how it works

Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive skin examination using a special device — a dermatoscope. It magnifies the mole 10× to 100× and, thanks to polarised light, reveals structures invisible to the naked eye.

Step by step

History — family history, previous oncological diseases, sun exposure.
Whole-body visual inspection — including under hair, between fingers, genital area, palms and soles.
Detailed dermatoscopic exam of every relevant mole.
Digital documentation for at-risk patients.
Evaluation and recommendations.

The exam is completely painless, takes 20–30 minutes and requires no special preparation.

What if a suspicious mole is found

We recommend surgical removal with histology. Local anaesthesia, 15–30 minutes, you go home immediately afterwards.

Important myth-buster: removing a mole DOES NOT spread the cancer.

How often to come

Low risk (under 50 moles, no family history): every 2 years
Medium risk (over 50 moles, sun exposure in youth, fair skin): once a year
High risk (family history of melanoma, dysplastic nevi): every 3–6 months

Price in Prague

Dermatoscopy in Prague usually costs between CZK 800 and 2,500 depending on scope. See our pricing section.

Conclusion

A regular mole check is among the most important preventive exams. It takes less than half an hour, is painless, and in the case of early melanoma diagnosis can literally save your life.

Medically reviewed: 7/2026