Dr Shaun Segal’s Best Tips for Spotting Suspicious Moles Early

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, and one of the most effective ways to improve treatment outcomes is by identifying suspicious moles as early as possible. While many moles are completely harmless, certain changes in their appearance can signal the early stages of skin cancer, including melanoma—the most aggressive form of the disease.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, regular self-examinations combined with professional skin checks are essential for detecting suspicious moles before they become a serious health concern. Early diagnosis often leads to simpler treatment, smaller surgical procedures, and significantly better long-term outcomes.

With over 20 years of experience in skin cancer medicine and surgery and 15 years dedicated exclusively to skin cancer surgery, Dr. Shaun Segal has treated thousands of patients across Australia. His expertise in diagnosing and managing skin cancer has helped countless patients receive timely treatment while achieving excellent cosmetic and functional results.

Why Early Detection of Suspicious Moles Matters

Many skin cancers begin as small changes in existing moles or as new pigmented spots on the skin. These early changes are often painless and may seem insignificant, causing people to delay seeking medical advice.

However, Dr. Shaun Segal emphasizes that detecting suspicious moles early dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment. When melanoma or other skin cancers are identified in their earliest stages, they can often be removed completely before spreading to deeper tissues or other parts of the body.

Early detection can also mean:

• Less invasive surgery
• Faster recovery
• Reduced risk of recurrence
• Better cosmetic outcomes
• Greater peace of mind

Tip 1: Learn the ABCDE Rule

One of the most reliable ways to evaluate moles is by using the ABCDE rule. Dr. Shaun Segal encourages patients to become familiar with these warning signs when performing regular skin self-examinations.

A – Asymmetry

A healthy mole is usually symmetrical. If one half looks different from the other, it should be assessed by a medical professional.

B – Border

Suspicious moles often have uneven, jagged, blurred, or poorly defined edges rather than smooth, regular borders.

C – Colour

Most harmless moles are a single shade of brown. Multiple colours—such as black, brown, red, blue, white, or grey—within one mole may indicate melanoma.

D – Diameter

Although melanoma can occur in smaller lesions, moles larger than approximately 6 millimetres deserve careful attention, especially if they continue growing.

E – Evolving

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, the most important warning sign is change. Any mole that changes in size, shape, colour, texture, or symptoms should be examined promptly.

Tip 2: Watch for the “Ugly Duckling” Sign

Every person’s skin is unique. Most moles on your body tend to look similar.

An “ugly duckling” mole is one that looks noticeably different from all the others. It may be darker, lighter, larger, or have an unusual shape.

This simple observation can help identify melanoma at an early stage.

If one mole stands out from the rest, Dr. Shaun Segal recommends having it professionally evaluated.

Tip 3: Perform Monthly Skin Checks

Regular self-examinations are one of the easiest ways to identify suspicious changes early.

Once each month, examine your entire body using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror to inspect areas that are difficult to see.

Be sure to check:

• Face
• Scalp
• Neck
• Chest
• Back
• Arms
• Hands
• Legs
• Feet
• Soles
• Between toes
• Under fingernails and toenails

Taking photographs of moles can also help track changes over time.

Tip 4: Don’t Ignore New Moles in Adulthood

While new moles commonly develop during childhood and early adulthood, the appearance of a new pigmented lesion later in life deserves closer attention.

Dr. Shaun Segal advises patients not to dismiss new moles simply because they appear small or painless.

Any new lesion that continues to change should be examined by a skin cancer specialist.

Tip 5: Pay Attention to Symptoms

Not all suspicious moles look dramatically different.

Sometimes the earliest signs involve changes in how the mole feels rather than how it appears.

Symptoms that should never be ignored include:

• Itching
• Bleeding
• Crusting
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Persistent irritation

These symptoms may indicate skin cancer and should be evaluated promptly.

Tip 6: Know Your Personal Risk Factors

Some individuals have a higher likelihood of developing skin cancer than others.

Risk factors include:

• Fair skin
• Light-coloured eyes
• Red or blonde hair
• History of severe sunburns
• Frequent UV exposure
• Family history of melanoma
• Large numbers of moles
• Previous skin cancer diagnosis

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, people with these risk factors should schedule regular professional skin examinations even if they have not noticed any obvious skin changes.

Tip 7: Protect Your Skin Every Day

Preventing skin damage is just as important as detecting suspicious moles.

Daily sun protection helps reduce cumulative UV damage that contributes to skin cancer development.

Protective habits include:

• Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen every day
• Wearing hats and UV-protective clothing
• Seeking shade during peak sunlight hours
• Wearing sunglasses
• Avoiding tanning beds

Consistent sun protection remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing future skin cancer risk.

Why Professional Skin Checks Are Essential

Although self-examinations are valuable, they cannot replace professional assessment.

Many early melanomas and other skin cancers are subtle and difficult to recognize without specialized training.

With over 15 years dedicated exclusively to skin cancer surgery, Dr. Shaun Segal has developed exceptional expertise in identifying suspicious lesions that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Professional skin checks allow for:

• Early diagnosis
• Accurate assessment of changing moles
• Monitoring of high-risk patients
• Early treatment planning
• Improved long-term outcomes

Expertise Patients Trust

Patients across Australia trust Dr. Shaun Segal because of his extensive experience and patient-focused approach to skin cancer care.

His qualifications include:

• Over 20 years of experience in skin cancer medicine and surgery
• 15 years dedicated exclusively to skin cancer surgery in Australia
• ACCO Fellow specializing in complex skin cancer and reconstructive surgery
• Two years on surgical rotation at the internationally renowned Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa
• Thousands of patients treated throughout NSW, QLD, and Perth

Currently practicing at Baby Steps Specialist Centre and serving as the Principal Skin Cancer Surgeon at Skin Cancer Only – Babysteps Health Centre, Subiaco, Dr. Shaun Segal is particularly recognized for his expertise in complex repairs and reconstructions involving the nose, eyelids, and other delicate facial areas.

His commitment extends beyond removing skin cancer. He is dedicated to helping patients achieve excellent cosmetic outcomes while preserving normal function and confidence.

When Should You Book an Appointment?

You should arrange a professional skin assessment if you notice:

• A mole changing in size, colour, or shape
• An unusual new spot
• A mole that looks different from others
• Bleeding or crusting lesions
• Persistent itching or irritation
• A sore that does not heal

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, it is always better to have a suspicious mole evaluated early rather than wait for further changes.

Final Thoughts

Spotting suspicious moles early is one of the most effective ways to prevent advanced skin cancer. Regular self-examinations, awareness of the ABCDE rule, and routine professional skin checks can make a significant difference in early diagnosis and successful treatment.

With more than two decades of experience in skin cancer medicine and surgery, Dr. Shaun Segal continues to help patients across Australia detect suspicious moles early and receive expert care tailored to their individual needs. His advanced surgical expertise, compassionate approach, and commitment to achieving both outstanding medical and cosmetic outcomes have made him a trusted leader in skin cancer diagnosis, treatment, and reconstructive surgery.