Dermatology · Skin Cancer Screening · Dubai
Skin Cancer Screening
in Dubai
Comprehensive dermoscopy and digital mole mapping by Dr. Kusuma Narayana — Head of Dermatology at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital and one of the few CCT Dermatology holders in the UAE. Expert screening for melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma with early detection as the priority.
Screening Services
Skin Cancer Detection Services in Dubai
Dermoscopy Examination
Non-invasive assessment of moles and skin lesions using a polarised-light dermatoscope, revealing sub-surface structures invisible to the naked eye.
Digital Mole Mapping
High-resolution photographic documentation of all moles for baseline comparison. Sequential imaging detects subtle changes over time that may indicate early melanoma.
Full Body Skin Check
Systematic head-to-toe examination of the entire skin surface, including scalp, between toes, and other commonly overlooked areas.
ABCDE Mole Assessment
Structured evaluation of Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter, and Evolution — the clinical hallmarks of potentially malignant moles.
Excision & Biopsy
Expert dermatosurgical excision of suspicious lesions with histopathological analysis. Dr. Kusuma performs these procedures with minimal scarring techniques.
Melanoma, BCC & SCC Screening
Targeted screening for all three major skin cancer types — melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma — tailored to your individual risk profile.
Warning Signs
The ABCDE Rule for Moles
The ABCDE rule is a widely used clinical framework for identifying moles that may require urgent assessment. If any of these features are present, a dermoscopy evaluation is recommended.
Asymmetry
One half of the mole does not mirror the other. Benign moles are typically symmetrical.
Border Irregularity
Edges are ragged, notched, or blurred rather than smooth and well-defined.
Colour Variation
Multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue within a single lesion.
Diameter
Moles larger than 6 mm (pencil eraser size) warrant closer examination, though melanomas can be smaller.
Evolution
Any change in size, shape, colour, or symptoms (itching, bleeding) over weeks to months.
Risk Factors
Who Should Be Screened?
Skin cancer risk is elevated in the UAE due to intense year-round UV exposure. The following factors increase your risk and indicate the need for regular screening.
- Fair skin or light eye colour
- History of sunburn, especially blistering sunburn
- Large number of moles (50 or more)
- Family history of melanoma or skin cancer
- Personal history of skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions
- Outdoor occupation or frequent sun exposure in UAE
- Use of tanning beds (current or past)
- Immunosuppression or organ transplant recipients
- New or changing mole at any age
- Previous abnormal mole biopsy result
FAQ
Skin Cancer Screening — Common Questions
Why is skin cancer screening important in Dubai?
The UAE receives intense year-round UV exposure, significantly increasing skin damage and skin cancer risk. Regular dermoscopy screening detects melanoma, BCC, and SCC at the earliest stage — when treatment is most effective and cure rates are highest.
What is dermoscopy and how does it help detect skin cancer?
Dermoscopy uses a specialised magnifying device with polarised light to examine skin lesions beyond what the naked eye can see. It improves diagnostic accuracy for melanoma by up to 30% compared to clinical examination alone, allowing Dr. Kusuma Narayana to identify suspicious patterns that guide further management.
How long does a skin cancer screening appointment take?
A comprehensive screening takes approximately 30–45 minutes. This includes a full body skin examination, dermoscopy of individual lesions, digital mole mapping for baseline documentation, and a detailed discussion of findings and recommended next steps.
What happens if a suspicious mole is found during screening?
Dr. Kusuma Narayana — an expert dermatosurgeon — can perform an excision biopsy, often on the same day or at a scheduled follow-up. Tissue is sent for histopathological analysis with results typically available within 5–7 working days. Early excision of skin cancers has excellent cure rates.
How often should I have a skin cancer screening?
For most adults in the UAE, an annual screening is recommended. Those with a personal or family history of skin cancer, a high number of moles, history of severe sunburn, fair skin, or previous abnormal biopsies may need checks every 3–6 months. Dr. Kusuma Narayana will advise a personalised schedule based on your risk profile.
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Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, Dubai · Also at Mediclinic Dubai Hills Mall on Sundays
Also offering: Pico Laser Treatment · Botox & Anti-Wrinkle · RF Microneedling · Acne Treatment