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Don’t Risk Deterioration of Skin Cancer

Undergo Skin Cancer Screening by Our Senior Dermatologists Today

Don’t Risk Deterioration of Symptoms

Undergo Skin Cancer Screening by Our Senior Dermatologists Today

Hear from Dr. Evelyn Tay about Skin Cancer and Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Have you been worrying if a new growth on your skin is a sign of skin cancer?

It could be an open sore that does not heal, a wart-like growth, or a pearly bump that changes over time (normal moles do not change). For some, these spots may itch or bleed.

But many do not feel a thing in early stages - and may even confuse skin cancer for freckles, moles, sunspots and even pimples.

Regardless, it’s the safest bet to undergo skin cancer screening especially if you notice the following symptoms:

 Get Screened for Skin Cancer Today

Three

common types of skin cancer

Melanoma

Melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, develops in the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin — the pigment that gives our skin its color.

Signs & Symptoms:

  • Asymmetry - Does your mole have an irregular shape or colour (e.g. two parts that look different)?
  • Border - Does your mole's border look irregular, smudged or jagged?
  • Colour - Is there more than one colour your lesion? It could be a combination of brown, pink, blue, black, white or red. 
  • Diameter - Any mole that is 6mm and larger or is changing in size should be checked by a doctor.
  • Evolving - Is your mole or spot changing in shape, size or colour, or has it become itchy, tender or even bled?

Possible risks if left untreated:

Melanoma is usually curable when detected and treated early.

But once it has spread deeper into the skin or other parts of the body, it becomes difficult to treat and can cause death.

Melanoma

Melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, develops in the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin — the pigment that gives our skin its color.

Signs & Symptoms:

  • Asymmetry - Does your mole have an irregular shape or colour (e.g. two parts that look different)?
  • Border - Does your mole's border look irregular, smudged or jagged?
  • Colour - Is there more than one colour your lesion? It could be a combination of brown, pink, blue, black, white or red. 
  • Diameter - Any mole that is 6mm and larger or is changing in size should be checked by a doctor.
  • Evolving - Is your mole or spot changing in shape, size or colour, or has it become itchy, tender or even bled?

Possible risks if left untreated:

Melanoma is usually curable when detected and treated early.

But once it has spread deeper into the skin or other parts of the body, it becomes difficult to treat and can cause death.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Most common type of skin cancer that makes up 8 out of 10 skin cancers.

Usually develops on sun-exposed areas like the face, head and neck.

Signs & Symptoms:

  • An open sore that does not heal, and may bleed, ooze or crust; might persist for weeks, or appear to heal but return
  • A reddish patch or irritated area on the face, chest, shoulder, arm or leg that may crust, itch, hurt or cause no discomfort
  • A shiny bump or nodule that is pearly, clear, pink, red or white
  • A small pink growth with a slightly raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the center
  • A scar-like area that is flat white, yellow or waxy in color. Skin may appear shiny and taut, often with poorly defined borders. This may indicate an invasive BCC.

Possible risks if left untreated:

While slow-growing, Basal Cell Carcinoma can grow into nearby areas and invade muscles, nerves and bones, causing potential disfigurement.

If not removed completely, basal cell carcinoma can recur in the same area.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Most common type of skin cancer that makes up 8 out of 10 skin cancers.

Usually develops on sun-exposed areas like the face, head and neck.

Signs & Symptoms:

  • An open sore that does not heal, and may bleed, ooze or crust; might persist for weeks, or appear to heal but return
  • A reddish patch or irritated area on the face, chest, shoulder, arm or leg that may crust, itch, hurt or cause no discomfort
  • A shiny bump or nodule that is pearly, clear, pink, red or white
  • A small pink growth with a slightly raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the center
  • A scar-like area that is flat white, yellow or waxy in color. Skin may appear shiny and taut, often with poorly defined borders. This may indicate an invasive BCC.

Possible risks if left untreated:

While slow-growing, Basal Cell Carcinoma can grow into nearby areas and invade muscles, nerves and bones, causing potential disfigurement.

If not removed completely, basal cell carcinoma can recur in the same area.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous Cell Carcinoma lesions most commonly arise in sun-exposed areas of the body.

Signs & Symptoms:

  • A wart-like growth
  • A persistent, scaly red patch with irregular borders that may bleed easily
  • An open sore that persists for weeks
  • A raised growth with a rough surface and a central depression

Possible risks if left untreated:

Allowed to grow, these lesions can become disfiguring and dangerous as they invade deeper layers of skin and spread to other parts of the body.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous Cell Carcinoma lesions most commonly arise in sun-exposed areas of the body.

Signs & Symptoms:

  • A wart-like growth
  • A persistent, scaly red patch with irregular borders that may bleed easily
  • An open sore that persists for weeks
  • A raised growth with a rough surface and a central depression

Possible risks if left untreated:

Allowed to grow, these lesions can become disfiguring and dangerous as they invade deeper layers of skin and spread to other parts of the body.

It is important to note that if skin cancer is not treated, it will continue to grow and may require more aggressive treatment in the future.

Get Screened and Treated Early

Apart from physically examining your skin for anomalies like colour, dimension and texture, your dermatologist will ask you questions about the growth and development of new skin marks.

If needed, a skin biopsy, where a part of the suspicious area will be removed and sent to a lab to be examined, may be carried out.

Patients can expect to receive their results in as quickly as three to five working days.

Get Screened for Skin Cancer Today

Why Journey with Us

Same-Day Appointments

With five surgeons and five surgery rooms, we can expedite your appointments at no extra cost (subject to availability & condition).

One-Stop Clinic

Equipped with a lab, we can carry out full range of treatments including skin biopsies to skin cancer surgery.


This will save you the time and hassle of heading to different hospitals for your treatments.

Seamless Medical Claims

Our staff are experienced in insurance claims, knowing which procedures are claimable depending on your insurer or Medisave.

We can assist you throughout, from pre-certification/pre-approval to liaising with your company (for those insured by company medical insurance).

 Get Screened for Skin Cancer Today

Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS)

Besides offering treatments like freezing, excisional surgery and laser therapy, we are one of the few private clinics in Singapore able to carry out Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS).


Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) involves surgically removing skin cancer layer by layer, mapping the excised specimen and examining the margins of each layer under the microscope. This facilitates the complete tracing of the tumour roots until healthy, tumour-free tissue is reached.

Process

Step 1

Local anesthesia is injected to the affected area to numb it completely, after which the visible portion of the tumor is removed with a thin layer of skin tissue surrounding it.

Step 2

This tissue is then processed in the lab in our clinic. It is sectioned, and colour coded with dyes to map out the site of the surgery. The tissue sections are then microscopically examined. 

Step 3

Each thin horizontal tissue section is carefully examined under the microscope for any evidence of cancer containing cells.

Step 4

If residual cancer cells are found, a subsequent thin layer is removed only where the cancer is present and tested. This process is repeated until there is no evidence of cancer left.

Step 5

Once the cancer has been completely removed, the wound will be repaired accordingly, usually with a local skin flap or graft.

Advantages of Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS)

Unlike other types of skin cancer treatments which may require surgeons to estimate the amount of skin tissue to remove, Mohs surgery allows surgeons to see exactly where the cancer stops.

This ability gives Mohs Surgery three key advantages:

90% - 99% Success Rates

It offers the highest success rate of all skin cancer treatments as it maximises the chances that a tumour will be completely excised.

Depending on the type of skin cancer it may potentially offer up to 92-99% success rates for skin cancers that have not been treated before and 90% for recurring skin cancers.

*According to Mohs Micrographic Surgery 

Maximises Preservation of Healthy Skin

Surgeons are able to remove only skin tissue with cancer, maximising the preservation of healthy skin tissue, and optimising cosmetic and functional outcome.

Commonly a single-visit outpatient surgery

Mohs surgery – from removal, tissue analysis to reconstruction - can be done in one visit in majority of patients.

This may vary depending on various factors like the location and characteristics of the skin cancer.

 Get Screened for Skin Cancer Today

Our Dermatologists

Dr Tay Liang Kiat 
(Mohs Micrographic Surgeon)

Dr Tay Liang Kiat specialises in skin cancers, Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic surgery, nail surgery and laser procedures.

He was formerly the head of dermatologic surgery, skin cancer, and Mohs micrographic surgery services at Changi General Hospital, Singapore. 

Read more...

A graduate of the University of Glasgow Medical School (UK), Dr Tay subsequently obtained his Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (UK) and proceeded to complete his dermatology advanced specialist training at the Singapore General Hospital and National Skin Centre.

After receiving the HMDP fellowship award by the Ministry, Dr Tay underwent further subspecialty training in advanced dermatologic and Mohs micrographic surgery at Oxford, one of the largest regional Mohs referral centres in the UK.

He also pursued his other interest in nail surgery with skills honed from training stints in Europe under the mentorship of world leading nail experts.

Accomplished Accolades:

  • Singapore General Hospital Service with a Heart Awards
  • Changi General Hospital Service Excellence Gold and Silver Awards
  • National EXSA Award for Service Excellence - SPRING Singapore
  • HMDP Fellowship Award, Mohs micrographic surgery and advanced dermatologic surgery- Oxford University Hospitals UK


    Affiliations:
  • Fellow, Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Dermatology)
  • Member, Royal College of Physicians (UK)
  • Member, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow UK)
  • Fellow, Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh UK)
  • Member, Dermatological Society of Singapore
  • Member, Singapore Medical Association

Dr Sue-Ann Ho 
(Mohs Micrographic Surgeon)

Dr Sue-Ann Ho is a Consultant Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. She was the clinical director of Division of Dermatology at NUHS where she set up the hospital's first Mohs Micrographic Surgery service in 2015. She has performed more than 500 Mohs Micrographic Surgeries.

Read more...

Her area of interests include skin cancers and dermatology surgery particularly Mohs Micrographic Surgery. She also sees general dermatology cases including acne, eczema, psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. She is also a Visiting Consultant to the National University Hospital.

Sue-Ann was a Consultant and Assistant Professor with the National University Health System (NUHS) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (YLLSoM) respectively. She was also appointed as a Consultant in the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) where she was the Skin Tumour Group lead.

After completing her basic and advanced medical training, she was awarded the prestigious Academic Medicine Development Award by NUH to pursue further training in dermatology surgery and Mohs Micrographic Surgery in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland.

Since 2016, she took up leadership positions in NUH’s Division of Dermatology and in education in YLLSoM. She was the Clinical Director for Dermatology (NUH), Deputy Undergraduate Medical Education Directors -Medicine (YLLSoM, NUS, NUHS) and Phase 3 Internal Medicine Posting Director (YLLSoM, NUS, NUHS). In 2020, she was awarded the Fortitude Award for her contributions to medical education during COVID-19.

Sue-Ann is able to speak English and Malay fluently and is conversant in Chinese.

  • Published numerous peer-reviewed journals in her career
  • Skin Tumour Group Lead, National University Cancer Institute
  • Ex-Assistant Professor, Clinician Track, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
  • Visiting Consultant, Division of Dermatology, NUHS

Accomplished Accolades:

  • Best Audit Prize - The Mohs Surgery database: a 6-year experience with periocular tumours at the 45th Annual Scottish Dermatology Society Meeting 2015
  • NUHS Academic Medicine Development Award (2014 - 2015)
  • Fortitude Award (2020)

Affiliations:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Dermatology)
  • Dermatological Society of Singapore
  • Member of the Dermatological Society of Singapore
  • Member of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom (MRCP(UK))
  • Member of the British Association of Dermatologists

Dr Evelyn Tay 
(Mohs Micrographic Surgeon)

Dr Evelyn Tay is a fully accredited dermatologist with more than a decade of clinical experience.

Her sub-specialty interests include Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. 

Read more...

Dr Tay completed her undergraduate medical training at the National University of Singapore, having been placed on the Dean’s list and being awarded the Dermatological Society of Singapore Book Prize for being the top student in Dermatology.

  • Published articles in multiple international journals and is a regular reviewer for the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
  • Awarded research grants to advance knowledge in the field of skin ageing and holds a patent for a novel skin biopsy device
  • Ex-consultant dermatologist and dermatological surgeon at the Dermatology of Department, Changi General Hospital.
  • Completed her advanced specialist training at the National Skin Centre.

Accomplished Accolades:

  • Recipient of SingHealth Quality Service Award
  • Best Houseman in Medicine
  • Clinical tutor for the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
  • Recipient of Human Manpower Development Programme Award

Affiliations:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Dermatology)
  • Member of the Dermatological Society of Singapore
  • International Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.
  • American Academy of Dermatology and American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
  • Member of the British Association of Dermatologists
  • Member of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh) 

Dr. Henry Loh

M.B.B.S (Melbourne)
MRCP (London), FAMS (Dematology)

Dr. Coni Liu

M.B.B.S (Singapore)
M.R.C.S (Edinburgh)

Dr. Kok Wai Leong

M.B.B.S (Singapore)
FAMS (Dermatology)

All our dermatologists are accredited specialists by Ministry of Health with listing at Specialist Registry.

 Get Screened for Skin Cancer Today

Our Values

Emphasis on Patient Education

All risks and pros and cons of the various treatments available will be shared with you in an in-depth manner.


This way, you can make an informed decision in the choice of treatment you will receive.

Committed to Excellent Care


Like you, we’d rather not have to see a doctor if we had a choice.

We are committed to providing you with the same care that we expect for ourselves and our families, be it during consultation, surgery or follow-ups.

Devoted to Treating Skin Cancers


It’s only when we love what we do, will we carry it out with conviction.

From attending overseas trainings to following the latest medical research, our dermatologists constantly strive to improve so you may receive the best outcomes.

Gain Peace of Mind with a Basic Skin Cancer Assessment at Today

If you suspect you may have skin cancer, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with us.


By detecting and treating it early, we can prevent its spread as well as reduce the risks of complications.


Our Basic Skin Cancer Assessment at $50 includes only the examination of up to two moles/spots/lesions.

* Excludes medicine, lab tests and procedures
** A full body screening requires additional charges
***Only valid for patients who pre-pay online  
***

Simply fill up the form below and one of our friendly staff will get back to you shortly.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim under Medisave for these treatments?

We are accredited by the Singapore Ministry of Health to submit Medisave claims for skin cancer and Micrographic (Mohs) surgeries.


Medisave can also be used for your immediate family members i.e. spouses, parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact us at 66537588.

What about health insurance? Will the diagnosis and procedures be covered?

Similar to Medisave, many of our procedures are covered under health insurance plans.

Moreover, our staff are experienced in insurance claims and are able to assist you throughout, from pre-certification/approval to liaising with your company for claims.

For more information, simply fill up the form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

How fast will I be able to get an appointment?

We understand your urgency and worries.

In majority of cases, we can schedule a same-day appointment for you at no extra cost.

When will I know the results of my biopsy?

It will take 3 – 5 working days for us to evaluate your skin’s condition and present you with a diagnosis.

I have a referral/biopsy report from a doctor/specialist. Will I still need a consultation?

As per medical guidelines, we are still required to conduct tests to confirm your previous doctor’s diagnosis.

Regardless, it would help for you to bring any medical documents to assist us with the treatment plans.

If I require surgery, will I be left with a noticeable scar?

While scarring is inevitable, Micrographic (Mohs) surgery can minimise scarring by preventing unnecessary removal of surrounding healthy skin tissue.

I am a foreigner looking to undergo Mohs surgery. What factors do I need to consider?

Due to COVID-19 situation, you may be issued with a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) of either 7 or 14 days as well as undergo a swab test.

Here’s the estimated roadmap for the procedure for your reference:

Header

Description

notes

Week 1

Consultation & Biopsy Test

3-5 working days for result & post care wound

Week 2

Surgery Procedure

Follow-up appointment following day post-surgery

Week 3

Post-Surgery Wound Care

Remove stitches and check recovery progress

For further inquiries, fill up the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

How much is a consultation?

Our initial consultations are $160.50 (including GST).


Rest assured, if you are found to have skin cancer or other conditions, it is your right to decide if you wish to proceed with further treatment with us or seek treatment elsewhere.

Find Us

Paragon
290 Orchard Road, #17-01/02
Singapore 238859
Contact us: 66537588

Shenton

#14-01 Income@raffles
No. 16 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049318

Parkway East Hospital

Parkway East MC, #05-01
319 Joo Chiat Place,
Singapore 427989