Do I need mole mapping?
  • ​The main advantage of mole mapping is early detection of a skin cancer.  
  • ​Melanoma is the lest common of the skin cancers but the most serious type.  
  • Melanoma can be fatal if found late, but easily treated if detected early. 
  • In the UK there are around 11,100 cases of melanoma each year. 
  • Melanoma is linked to sun bed use and excessive exposure to sun light.​
Mole mapping images are relatively quick to take and you can self monitor using your images at home. The images are portable and easy to store and view. High risk individuals include those who have had a personal history or family history of melanoma. 
  • ​If you have any of the following, you are also considered to be high risk.
  • AMS (atypical mole syndrome)
  • have more than 100 moles
  • skin type 1-2
  • red hair, freckles
  • have a history of sun burn or sun bed use 
  • if you do not tan easily
People who are considered to be high risk are encouraged to have mole mapping.
What is mole mapping?
  • Mole mapping is a series of photographic images of body regions, taken to generate an effective map of a person’s skin. 
  • ​Images are given to the individual to keep for their own personal records, and self surveillance at home, and for them to take along to their dermatologist for use during consultations.  
  • Mole mapping is more effective if the patient has been firstly assessed by a doctor or skin cancer specialist, to assess that they are happy with the moles.
  • At this point, they should refer you for photography, and it’s important to have this done relatively close to when your skin cancer specialist has said that they are happy with the moles. You then have a base line for your continuing assessment.   
  • New moles can be easily detected and existing moles can be assessed for change by the dermatologist. ​
What happens at your appointment
  • During the visit you will be required to undress, as it is important to see as much of your skin as possible to capture all visible moles.
  • If a patient wants to leave underwear on, this is not an issue, however we would not be able to give a base line record for areas hidden beneath the underwear.
  • We have a chaperone available for your appointment, but you are more than welcome to bring your own chaperone with you.  
  • Imaging of the entire body takes approximately 15 minutes.  We will then ensure your images are sent to you via a secure method.