Mole Mapping and Melanoma
Mole mapping is a screening service for those at risk of skin cancer. This procedure detects malignant melanoma at the earliest possible stage, when with relatively minor surgery, it is curable.
What is involved?
A typical initial mole mapping appointment should last approximately 30 minutes, where, upon arrival you will be asked to fill in a questionnaire about your moles and any concerns you have about them. Your nurse will then explain the procedure to you and take multiple photos of the moles on your skin. Your consultant dermatologist will then examine the moles and identify any of concern for a higher resolution photographic (dermoscopic) examination and will give you his advice on the results of his findings.
For your information, the results will fall into 4 categories:
- Low Risk – suggest planned annual review, or continued self examination with clinic reviews
- Intermittent Risk – advise annual mole mapping with consultant review
- Abnormal Mole – Some concern. Checks every 3 to 6 months or removal
- Abnormal Mole – Great concern. Would advise immediate removal
Note
After mole mapping appointment is complete, you can return home. There is no risk attached to this process.
