Mole Mapping
What is Mole Mapping?
In order to monitor both short and long term changes in moles, (a good indicator of melanoma), mole mapping uses Total Body Imaging to record the details of your skin. At the first consultation, we take a full skin history, which involves taking a set of 33 body photographs of your entire skin. We then image any slightly abnormal or atypical moles at 30x magnification, to enable any new or changing lesions to be more easily identified during future consultations.
Our clinicians will examine the entire skin surface, including the scalp, fingernails and even right down between the toes. A copy of the images taken during the examination can be provided for a small fee.
Depending on your history, risk factors and the types of moles present, we will monitor you over a 3, 6 or 12 month period to detect any microscopic changes, making mole mapping an extremely beneficial and convenient health service.
PREVENT – CHECK – DETECT.
We seek to provide Australians peace of mind.
Who is Mole Mapping For?
Mole mapping is completely safe for everyone, including pregnant women, as it involves photography. We supply you with a dignity gown so you will remain covered as much as possible throughout the consultation. We ask that make-up (particularly foundation and lipstick) be removed prior to the consultation and that you refrain from applying moisturiser on the day of the appointment.
Mole mapping is excellent for:
-
Those who have a family or personal history of Melanoma or other skin cancers
-
Those with multiple or atypical moles
-
Those with a history of high sun exposure
-
Those with fair skin, a tendency to burn rather than tan, freckles, light eye colour, light or red hair
Quality Control
Every lesion imaged during our skin cancer consultations is subjected to a stringent quality control process. This involves the sighting of each lesion by a secondary senior Dermatoscopist. During this process the images are further evaluated for suspicious features.
Assessment Results
The Dermatoscopist will prepare a comprehensive report of their findings which will be sent to your General Practitioner. You will also receive a booklet which contains details of your results.
Should you have a lesion(s) that the Dermatoscopist identifies as requiring further investigation, you will be recommended to a Doctor with qualifications in both Dermatoscopy and Skin Cancer Surgery. You may also visit a Doctor of your choice for follow up treatment, in which case we will support and assist you in any way possible.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to a mole map?
We ask that all patients do not wear or remove the following: makeup (especially foundation and lipstick), nail polish and moisturiser, as these can impact on the ability of the Dermatoscopist to see all layers of the skin.
Do I receive a copy of the images taken during my mole map?
For a small fee, we can even provide you with a copy of your body images for your own safekeeping.
Who should get a mole map?
Anyone who has a family or personal history of Melanoma, a personal history of Basal Cell Carcinoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma, multiple moles (approximately 50 or more moles on the entire skin), or a past history of high sun exposure is especially recommended to have a molemap as their risk of developing Melanoma is greatly increased.
Are there rebates available for a mole map?
Some private health funds do provide rebates on mole mapping assessments. Please contact your private health provider to find out.
What happens after the mole map?
The Dermatoscopist will prepare a comprehensive report of their findings. Should you have a lesion(s) that the Dermatoscopist identifies as requiring further investigation, we will provide your chosen doctor with a full report of your consultation.
What training do your dermatoscopists receive?
Our team of Dermatoscopists have each been handpicked for their professionalism and industry specific knowledge.
Do I need a GP referral for a mole map assessment?
No, there is no need to see your GP for a referral before coming in for a mole map assessment.
Why are regular mole maps recommended?
Repeat molemaps in the future (either 3, 6 or 12 months as will be recommended) can compare the images to detect the slightest of changes, with the aim of detecting skin cancers before they start to spread and can be more easily treated.