Understanding a Mole Map

Mole mapping is one of the most advanced ways of detecting skin cancer early on when it is most treatable. Because skin cancers can spread rapidly with devastating consequences, a mole doctor on the North Shore is more likely than ever to recommend a mole map, particularly if you are in a higher risk bracket for skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of skin cancer and one of the most dangerous. Read on to learn more about mole mapping and how it can benefit you.

How Mole Mapping Works

A mole map is a highly advanced method of monitoring moles involving a set of specific techniques. First, all suspicious moles are examined with an advanced tool that uses intense light and magnifies the mole. This tool lets the doctor see abnormal changes in the skin’s first layer. This technique is typically utilised to examine any atypical moles.

Another technique involved in mole mapping is body photography. All areas of the skin are photographed using specialised devices. The images are stored in a special database and kept so that they can be compared to later photographs of the same moles. In other words, your doctor will be able to compare photos of a mole taken, say, six months or a year apart to look for any changes. This is a critical part of mole mapping because cancerous moles can evolve so slowly and steadily that their changes may go unnoticed until it’s too late.

For mole mapping to be effective, the patient must visit the doctor’s office at regular intervals depending on their skin cancer risk. One patient may need to come in only every two years while another may need to see the physician every three months. Your doctor will determine your risk during your first visit. Their assessment of your overall risk will be based on your medical history, your family’s medical history, and the results of your physical examination.

Benefits of Mole Mapping and Where to Find a Mole Clinic on the North Shore

Mole mapping allows for the earliest possible detection of skin cancer, dramatically increasing survival rates. When most skin cancers are caught early, the survival rate is extremely high. Most patients can be cured entirely with early enough detection. Often, removal of the troublesome mole is all that is needed. Removing a mole is an affordable, simple, and safe procedure.

Mole mapping is one of the most advanced and most effective techniques for the early detection of skin cancer. Anyone with a higher-than-normal risk of skin cancer can benefit from this method. This includes people with a personal or family history of skin cancer as well as those with atypical moles or a large number of moles.

For more information about receiving a mole map on the North Shore, contact Northpoint Medical & Skin Centre today. Our clinic staff will be happy to answer your questions and book an appointment for you.