Mole Clinic
Mole screening and body mapping
service
Body mapping and Mole
screening are carried out using an instrument called a dermoscope.
This allows the documentation and storage of maps of whole areas of
the skin and also the screening of individual moles. This advanced
procedure helps determine whether a pigmented lesion shows early
signs of skin cancer beneath the surface of the mole - signs which
may not be visible to the naked eye. The procedure is non-invasive
and 100% safe.
The procedure is carried out
by a nurse and the service is overseen by our consultant
dermatologist. A chaperone is available on request.
Appointments will last
between 30-60 minutes and you will be asked to complete a
pre-screening questionnaire.
All fees are payable in full
on completion of the assessment.
Body mapping
Mole screening is carried
out by a process called body mapping. It is a way of
monitoring large areas of skin, for example the back, and is
particularly useful for patients with a significant number of
moles. You will have the opportunity to discuss with the nurse
which areas you wish to have photographed by the dermoscope, or opt
for mapping of the whole body. All images are retained for future
comparison.
If you return in six to
twelve months time the specialised computer will be able to compare
the two images and identify any new or changing moles.
If mole mapping highlights
an area of concern, or if you have a particular mole that you are
worried about, this can then be analysed individually.
Mole Analysis
If any particular mole
requires closer inspection then mole analysis will be recommended.
This involves taking an image of the mole with the dermoscope at
high magnification. The computer will then analyse the mole and the
results of this will be discussed with you.
If the mole is
considered to be ‘high risk’ referral to a skin specialist will be
necessary.
Mole analysis images will be
viewed by one of our consultant dermatologists and follow up
appointments offered in accordance with their recommendations.
Please note
Dermoscopic mole screening
is seen as a very valuable tool in the early detection of skin
cancer but no screening service can achieve 100% accuracy.
Screening is only intended to predict the possible likelihood of
the presence, or absence, of superficial spreading melanoma in
pigmented lesions.
Whilst this can assist in
lesion assessment , it is capable of producing a high score where
there is an absence of melanoma, and a low score where there is the
presence of melanoma. It is intended as an indicator of risk and
not a diagnosis.
The most accurate
confirmation of the presence or absence of skin cancer is achieved
by way of excision and biopsy. The results of any mole screening
assessment are indicative of the lesion status only as at the time
of the assessment. Skin cancer can appear spontaneously, new
lesions can appear and/or the condition of existing lesions can
change significantly over short periods of time.
We recommend
self-examination every three months to identify any new or changed
lesions and that such lesions are assessed without delay,
notwithstanding any earlier assessment.
Charges
Consultation plus analysis of up to 4 moles £95
Consultation plus analysis of up to 4 moles plus body mapping
per area £95 + £25 per area
Consultation plus analysis of up to 4 moles plus whole body
mapping £245
Follow up body mapping plus mole screening £200
Additional Mole Analysis £15 per mole
Discount for family bookings to be arranged on application.