Mole mapping: Early detection for melanoma

Written in association with: Dr Paul Farrant
Published:
Edited by: Carlota Pano

In dermatology, mole mapping is an innovative technique that leverages technology to systematically document individual moles, facilitating comprehensive tracking over time.

 

Here, Dr Paul Farrant, renowned consultant dermatologist and dermatological surgeon, offers his expert insight into the key aspects of mole mapping and its significance in melanoma detection.

 

 

What is mole mapping, and how does it differ from traditional methods of monitoring?

 

Traditionally, a clinical examination of individual moles with the use of a dermatoscope (magnification device) is used to determine if a mole is suspicious or not. However, melanoma can look like a very ordinary mole and, likewise, a very odd-looking mole can be entirely benign and harmless. Some patients also have lots of moles, and sometimes many of these are larger or atypical in appearance.

 

A cancerous mole is, by definition, a mole that is changing. With time, this therefore manifests as a change in the appearance of the mole.

 

Mole mapping is a process that photographs and tracks moles over time to determine which moles are actually changing. Modern mole mapping uses automated machines to take a standard set of close-up dermoscopic (clinical detailed) images, and then uses software to compare these images over time. These machines thus highlight any changing or new moles.

 

What are the benefits of mole mapping for early skin cancer detection?

 

Mole mapping is the best way to detect changes in moles which could signify melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma is the biggest cause of cancer death in young adults. When it is caught at an early stage, most patients are cured by having the mole removed surgically. However, it is the moles that are missed or that present later that cause most of the health issues, complications, and death.

 

How often should patients undergo mole mapping, and what factors determine frequency?

 

The frequency of mole mapping depends on the individual. If there are some concerning moles at baseline, it may be recommended to have a repeat scan after 4 - 6 months. For general screening purposes, however, an annual scan is sufficient for most patients and if there is very little change this can be relaxed further, for example every 2 years.

 

What technology is utilised in mole mapping, and how does it enhance accuracy?

 

There are very basic manual systems to connect a dermatoscope to a camera phone or camera, and manually link this to a background body photo. However, there is no standardisation or use of automatic software to track moles accurately with this approach.

 

More commonly, mole mapping refers to a whole body tower device that takes images at a certain distance with a high-quality camera and using a special polarised lighting against a neutral background. This is then paired with high-quality dermoscopic images linked to the sites on the background map. This way, the machine can track individual lesions from one visit to the next.

 

Can mole mapping identify skin conditions beyond melanoma, and if so, how does it aid diagnosis and treatment?

 

The whole body machines pick up every blemish on the skin, after which the operator then needs to determine which are significant to take close-up images.

 

Mole mapping can detect other types of skin cancer, but primarily it is a system used to track moles and detect melanoma at an early stage. In the case that other cancers are picked up, then these too can be treated at an early stage.

 

 

To schedule an appointment with Dr Paul Farrant, head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.

By Dr Paul Farrant
Dermatology

Dr Paul Farrant is a highly accomplished dermatologist and dermatological surgeon at Spire Montefiore Hospital and Nuffield Haywards Heath with a distinguished career in the field. He specialises in hair lossacneskin cancermoleseczema and psoriasis. His extensive training included renowned institutions such as the world-famous St. John's Institute of Dermatology at Guys and St. Thomas' Hospital, as well as esteemed London teaching hospitals like King's College and St. George's.

In 2009, Dr Farrant was appointed as a consultant at Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals Trust (now University Hospitals Sussex), where he served as the clinical lead for 10 years. He is a core member of the skin cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and is recognised for performing over 400 skin cancer operations annually. Dr Farrant's dedication and contributions to the NHS have been acknowledged with six clinical excellence awards, and he was honoured as a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 2012 for his significant services to the field of dermatology.

His primary focus, lies in hair loss and scalp disorders, where he is regarded as a national key opinion leader. He shares his knowledge through extensive lectures in the UK and internationally and actively participates in research, currently serving as the principal investigator in several Alopecia research studies.

Furthermore, Dr Farrant offers exclusive services, including skin cancer screening and mole mapping, as well as a videotrichoscopy service for hair loss assessment.

Dr Farrant is a dedicated researcher, allocating one dedicated session per week to his research endeavours. He currently holds the role of principal investigator for three alopecia clinical studies at the Clinical Research Unit in Brighton.

His memberships in prestigious medical societies include the British Association of Dermatologists, the Royal College of Physicians, the American Academy of Dermatologists, the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology, the European Hair Research Society, the British Hair and Nail Society, and the British Society of Medical Dermatology, reflecting his commitment to the advancement of dermatology.

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