Mole Mapping
As a Map My Mole Partner, The Cheshire Aesthetic Clinic is able to access consultant dermatologists who provide an opinion and detailed report on a mole image within 24 hours for client peace of mind.
While it can be simple to track changes to any moles you can see easily, mole mapping can be particularly useful for people who have a large number of moles, or have moles in a difficult to see place on the body, have a family history of skin cancer or have an increased risk.
Moles are coloured spots on the skin that look like small dark marks a bit like freckles but differ in that they are more likely to be raised from the surface of the skin.
Moles are perfectly normal, and most people have them somewhere on their body as they usually appear during childhood or early teens.
They develop when the cells producing pigment grow together in a cluster, and vary widely in shape, size and colour. Freckles, having a normal number of melanocytes (pigment producing cells) are flat and cannot turn into moles.
Mole mapping is a way to have your moles screened so that any changes can be assessed by a specialist dermatologist, providing you with a report quickly and efficiently. It is a non-invasive and safe way to digitally photograph and document moles so that any changes can be highlighted and assessed, and further treatment sought if necessary.
The mole mapping process – what happens?
The process for checking a concerning mole is simple, painless, non-invasive and quick.
Step 1
Our trained practitioner uses a handheld instrument called a Dyplens to examine your mole.
Step 2
Gel is applied to the skin before the practitioner examines it closely through the Dyplens.
Step 3
The practitioner captures images of the mole using the Dyplens which are then submitted to a consultant dermatologist.
Step 4
Having reviewed the image of your mole, the UK dermatologist will send a report in as little as 24 hours directly to you or to the clinic – whichever you prefer.
Step 6
The report includes the consultant dermatologist’s opinion about the mole with advice on next steps.
Step 6
If the dermatologist assesses that the image shows cause for concern, they will provide you with a report that can be sent to your GP.
Our Map My Mole screening service is aligned with the British Association of Dermatologists teledermatology guidelines.
As a Map My Mole Partner, The Cheshire Aesthetic Clinic is able to access consultant dermatologists who provide a detailed report and opinion on the mole image within 24 hours.
Why should I have my moles mapped?
Most moles are harmless and don’t change over time, but some can develop into skin cancer. If we have been overexposed to the sun, particularly as a child, then the number of moles we have may increase. The more moles we have, the higher the risk of skin cancer and irregular moles are also an indicator of increased risk.
We should all check our skin regularly, but it’s often easier said than done. Although most moles are utterly harmless, new moles that look unusual, that have changes in colour texture or shape, bleeds or itches or develops a crust or flaky appearance could be signs of something that needs further investigation.
Sooner is better
Obviously, the sooner something is found, the easier it is to treat.
Mole Mapping is an easy, painless, safe and non-invasive skin screening process that highlights any changes to moles that may be cancerous or precancerous. The images are examined by a dermatologist and melanoma can be detected at an early stage – and when skin cancer is diagnosed and removed early, it is more likely to be curable.