Frequently Asked Questions

Mole mapping is an Advanced Automated Total Body Photography and Dermoscopy system. The technology effectively and individually maps the size, shape, body location and other features of the moles. It enables us to track the changes and monitor the evolution of the moles over time and picks up changes in moles including suspicious changes.

Yes. It is suitable for anyone with several moles on his or her body.

Mole mapping is currently performed at the BMI three shires hospital.

As mole mapping is completely non-invasive, there are no side effects or complications.

A mole is a skin lesion that can be brown, dark, raised or flat on the skin surface. They can also be skin coloured.

The vast majority of moles are safe and benign; however, a small minority of moles can be a skin cancer or transform into a skin cancer.

Skin cancers are the most common group of cancers in the UK. Non-melanoma skin cancer refers to a group of cancers that slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin.

The term non-melanoma distinguishes these more common types of skin cancer from the less common skin cancer known as melanoma which can be more serious. Non-melanoma skin cancers include Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC).

In the UK, more than 100,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed each year. It affects more men than women and is more common in the elderly.

Melanoma, also known as malignant melanoma, is a type of cancer that develops from the pigment-containing cells known as melanocytes. Melanomas typically occur in the skin, but may rarely occur in the mouth, intestines, or eye. Sometimes they develop from a mole with changes such as an increase in size, irregular edges, change in color, itchiness, or skin breakdown.

Although mole mapping can detect very early changes in moles as well as melanomas, it can also detect other more common types of skin cancer. Mole mapping can also exclude skin cancer therefore preventing unnecessary surgery to remove normal moles. We have experienced consultants inhouse to offer suggestions and treatment of any skin cancer that may be found on your body during examination.

Your consultant will discuss this with you. Ideally this should be done every 6-12 months if the mole mapping does not show anything suspicious.

You will be fully informed if the consultant is concerned about any mole. You also have the opportunity of informing the consultant if you are concerned about any moles on your skin. Any suspicious moles will need to be removed at a different appointment. The options for this will be discussed with you.

You will be expected to pay on the day of your mole mapping by debit, credit card or cash.

Most health insurance companies do not cover the screening. However, we will advise that you crosscheck with your insurance company in the first instance because our service also include mole checks which may be partly or wholly covered by your insurance company. We will tell you the price of the Mole Mapping beforehand so that you know if you would need to share the cost with your insurer.