Mole mapping, or medical photography, refers to taking high-resolution photographs to document the pigmented lesions on your skin. You might greatly benefit from mole mapping if you have:
- Numerous moles
- Atypical moles
- Personal and/or family history of melanoma
These photos are used to follow your moles over time for changes and, potentially, the development of skin cancer.
Performing a self-skin exam without a baseline is exceedingly difficult, requiring patients to work from memory to determine the exact appearance of their moles. Medical photography is much more reliable.
Mole mapping and early detection
Studies have proven that early detection and catching melanoma early is one of the best approaches in the treatment of skin cancer. Melanoma is easily treatable when caught early, but can be dangerous in its advanced stages. Mole mapping helps to catch skin cancer as soon as possible.
Both overview and close-up photos are taken during the mole mapping procedure. Overview photos are taken in a variety of poses and of specific body areas (i.e. head, neck, chest, back, abdomen, upper and lower extremities, hands, and feet) in order to make it easier to see new lesions.
Close-up photos are used to show the shape, color, and size of specific moles. A diagram or map can be prepared using numbered photos with corresponding moles to track individual lesions during self-skin examinations and follow-up appointments with you dermatologist.
With medical photography, even the earliest changes in your moles can be detected and ultimately treated more quickly. High-risk patients are often anxious about their moles, and continually worried about getting skin cancer. Mole mapping can help alleviate these feelings.
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