Examination of birthmarks

When should you have a birthmark checked?

If you want to have more than 3 birthmarks or your entire body examined, we ask you to book a dermatologist’s appointment. Checking the entire body is recommended if:

• You have a lot of birthmarks and pigment spots on your skin;
• Your close relative has been diagnosed with melanoma or another form of skin cancer;
• You have visited or are visiting a tanning salon or receive high doses of UV radiation naturally (you sunbathe a lot).

A birthmark needs to be examined more closely if at least one of the following conditions are met:

• The birthmark is asymmetrical, meaning one of its sides differs from the other;
• The edges of the birthmark are irregular (jagged, loose, etc.);
• The colour of the birthmark varies;
• The birthmark has changed over time (size, shape, or colour).

Dermtest birthmark examination

Meliva uses the Dermtest examination to diagnose birthmarks. It is a simple, convenient, and reliable teledermascopic examination.

During the examination, a specially trained nurse photographs the birthmark in question with great magnification. Dermtest includes photographing of 1–3 birthmarks. After that, the dermatologist will analyse the images to see whether the birthmark has malignant features and provide recommendations for further actions which may be:

• There are no malignant features and no need for special monitoring;
• The birthmark needs to be examined again after a certain time;
• The birthmark needs to be removed for a more detailed diagnosis.

If a dermatologist recommends surgically removing a birthmark, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the growth is malignant. The removal of a suspicious skin growth enables it to be examined by a pathologist, ensuring the most precise diagnosis.

In addition to examining birthmarks, we offer surgical removal and more detailed pathological examinations. These services are subject to a fee. Upon your request, our physicians can also issue a referral to a surgeon’s appointment that is funded by the Health Insurance Fund. Issuing the referral is also subject to an additional fee.