Mole Mapping

Cutting edge computer-aided mole mapping and dermoscopy, offering complete peace of mind by identifying changes in your skin early.

Most of us have moles on our skin. One of the key indicators that a mole is of concern is if it has recently changed. But as we have numerous moles it can be difficult to keep an eye on this over time, particular in areas that are difficult to see.

Mole Mapping is the most accurate and efficient way to screen all of your skin and monitor your moles. Skin Surgery Clinic is the only clinic in Yorkshire to have the specialist technology to carry out this service.

What is Mole Mapping?

Mole Mapping removes the guesswork from monitoring your skin.

It begins with a mapping appointment with our specialist Dermatology Nurse. In this appointment our full body automated scanning system images your skin at up to 150x magnification. Moles, lumps and lesions are identified, measured and recorded for assessment.

Your scans are then assessed by one of our Consultant Dermatologists, Professor Andrew Wright and Dr Mohammed Shareef. At this point, moles of immediate concern will be identified and treatment pathways discussed with you.

Often there will also be some moles that Professor Wright or Dr Shareef recommend you monitor over time in case they begin to show signs of malignancy. Routine follow-up mole mapping appointments allow you to assess changes accurately, removing guesswork and offering peace of mind.

Who should consider Mole Mapping?

By identifying changes early, we can reduce the impact of developing skin cancer. We most commonly recommend mole mapping to patients with:

• Numerous moles
• Moles of unusual shape, size or colour
• Family history of skin cancer
• Personal history of skin caner
• High Sun exposure from living or working abroad or outdoors
• High UV exposure from using sunbeds
• Type 1 or 2 (pale) skin that burns easily

What is the Mole Mapping process?

With our computer-aided mapping system, our Dermatology specialists are able to monitor your skin from the outset and over time:

• Our Dermatology Nurse will take your medical history before beginning the computer-aided skin mapping
• Your body will be imaged, with images stored securely on the Horus HS1000 scanner
• Unusual moles are photographed and measured at up to 150x magnification
• The photographs of your skin are assessed by Prof Wright or Dr Shareef to identify any moles or lesions requiring further investigation
• We will advise you of any potential skin cancer risk and offer any necessary treatment without a waiting list
• Repeat screening appointments are offered at six month intervals, or sooner if you become aware of changes in size, colour or shape
• Your previous and current photographs will automatically be compared to identify new moles or changes between appointments

Meet Our Consultant Dermatologists

Meet Our Consultant Plastic Surgeons

You may also be seen or reviewed by one of our Consultant Plastic Surgeons, all of whom are specialists in skin cancer treatment. Each sits on a relevant Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) in their local NHS CCG and is experienced in surgical treatment of all types of skin cancer.

Dermatology Nurses

Our mole mapping team also includes specialist Nurses and HCAs, who will take your initial history and carry out the imaging on our mole mapping system.

What is the difference between Mole Mapping and a Mole Check?

If you have a small number of individual moles or lesions that you would like to have reviewed manually by a specialist, we continue to offer Mole Check appointments for this. A mole check appointment is carried out by a Consultant Dermatologist or specialist Consultant Plastic Surgeon with expertise in skin cancer. The Consultant will examine your skin by eye and using a handheld dermatoscope and advise your next steps based on their findings.

A Mole Mapping appointment allows us to assess greater numbers of moles without high expense or compromising accuracy. The service includes automated total body mapping at 30x and 150x magnification by our Horus HS1000 skin imaging machine. Mole sizes are automatically measured and compared to the recordings from previous appointments. The system also flags changes in colour or shape between appointments.

Benefits of Mole Mapping

Our aim is to reduce risk – both the risk of suspicious moles going unnoticed, and the risk of parts of your body not being examined accurately. We achieve this through:

Cutting edge technology: Our Horus HS1000 takes highly accurate digital photographs of your skin, allowing our Dermatology team to quickly and accurately identify changes over time. We are the only clinic in Yorkshire to be able to offer this.

Whole body mapping: You can be reassured that you are keeping track of new moles and lesions, even if you’d struggle to see them yourself.

Immediate access to treatment: If we detect skin cancer we can offer fast-track skin treatment with no waiting lists. Our specialist team work in skin cancer multidisciplinary teams where your case can be discussed if required.

How often should I have my skin mapped?

The photos of your skin are retained securely in our mole mapping system. We recommend you return every six or twelve months for a repeat mapping appointment. In this appointment, your photos will be compared against one another. Any changes will be recorded and any concerns our Dermatologists have will be discussed with you.

Mole Mapping Prices

For many patients, an annual appointment is recommended. We discount repeat mapping appointments to £175 if you return within two years. After that, the price reverts to £275.

For all 2019 and 2020 patients affected by the pandemic: We are offering a repeat mole mapping appointment at £175 if you book in before June 2022.