SKIN experts at the city's hospital are hoping to save lives by running a free screening clinic next week.

Dermatologists at Worcestershire Royal Hospital have organised the session on Monday as part of Euro-Melanoma Day.

Euro-Melanoma is a European campaign to prevent skin cancer, focusing on the most dangerous type, malignant melanoma.

Early diagnosis is essential with melanoma, which is why the hospital's dermatologists are urging people who have experienced changing moles to visit them on Monday.

Dr Fiona Lewis, consultant dermatologist at the hospital, said she was hoping to make people more aware of melanoma and the symptoms to look out for.

"A lot of things on the skin are completely benign, but there are some things you should see your GP about," said Dr Lewis.

"Moles do need looking at. That's why we are running Monday's clinic, so people who are concerned about their moles can come and have them checked."

Melanoma is often caused by frequent, high intensity sun exposure. It affects the pigment-producing cells and can appear as a new mole or arise from an existing mole on the skin.

The disease can spread to other parts of the body, which is why early detection is so important. It can be treated much more successfully if treated early.

Signs of melanoma are mainly found in moles. The most common are:

n Change in size. The mole may become larger than other moles.

n Change in shape. It may develop an irregular outline.

n Change in colour. It may become a darker shade.

n The mole could also become itchy, or you could become more aware of it.

n It may become inflamed, or bleed, either spontaneously or when knocked.

Anyone who visits the clinic will be referred to their GP if the hospital's dermatologists feel they need further tests.

The clinic will be run in the Redwood Suite, in the main building of the hospital, and will be done on a first come, first served basis. It will run from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Monday,

May 12.