Mole mapping is increasingly becoming a popular tool in the skin cancer screening process, and for very good reason.
Using AI technology, in conjunction with high-resolution digital imaging, skin mole mapping provides highly detailed information about your skin and charts changes in a way that no other mole check can.
We know that early detection and treatment is the key to surviving skin cancer, and mole mapping is a highly accurate and effective way to identify melanoma in its very early stages.
Mole mapping is painless and non-invasive and takes less than an hour to perform, making it a process that is easy and accessible for most people.
What is mole mapping?
Mole mapping is an in-depth tracking and monitoring process that is undertaken alongside a skin check. It’s usually recommended for patients that are considered most at-risk of skin cancer and melanoma.
The key difference between a skin check and mole mapping is the mole mapping is an ongoing process aimed at identifying changes in the skin over time.
During the 45-minute mole mapping process, high-resolution digital photography is used across the entire body. The process is then repeated 6-12 months later to detect and assess any changes.
What is a digital mole map?
A digital body mole map is created using state-of-the-art digital photography to capture images of the entire body, taking in the size and positioning of every mole and lesion on the body.
Artificial intelligence takes the data, and data provided by future digital mole mapping, to detect any change, big or small, and often those undetectable by the naked eye.
How does mole mapping check skin moles?
At Bass Coast Skin Doctors, we use software by DermEngine with AI-assisted monitoring, which scans for changes or abnormalities that might be indicators of early skin cancer.
The information is then assessed by a skin doctor, who analyses the data in conjunction with your medical history to create a treatment plan that gives you the best chance of detecting skin cancer early when it’s easiest to treat and cure.
How should you prepare for a mole mapping appointment?
The AI technology used in mole mapping is highly sensitive, so to ensure the results are accurate and uncompromised, it’s advised that patients prepare for their treatment beforehand, including:
- Removing all make-up, moisturiser, tanning products, sunscreen and nail polish before arriving at your appointment
- Allowing about three weeks for your tan to fade before your mole mapping appointment, if you have a natural full-body tan
- Wearing plain coloured underwear, as colours can interfere with the computer software’s ability to read digital images. Underwear is not required to be removed during skin checks unless you have a particular spot of concern, and a modesty sheet, or your own clothing can cover areas of the skin while they are not being examined.
Find out more about mole mapping
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, so early detection of melanoma is essential. Mole mapping can greatly improve the chances of detection at the early stages, making it a powerful tool.
Mole mapping is a specialised service and should only be performed by qualified and experienced doctors, with particular skin expertise and using the best mole mapping technology available.
At Bass Coast Skin Doctors, we use state-of-the-art technology, and our skilled skin doctors ensure that all mole map procedures are thorough and accurate and empower our patients with not just the best information, but real peace of mind.
To find out more about mole mapping, call our clinic on (03) 5618 7007 or book an appointment online here.