Mole Mapping-Skin Cancer

Mole Mapping At Avané Clinic Kenya

Mole mapping usually refers to a surveillance program for those at high risk of malignant melanoma. It may include a clinical skin examination and dermoscopy to identify and evaluate lesions of concern for those at high risk of malignant melanoma. Lesions of concern are those that have features consistent with melanoma or other forms of skin cancer (such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma). Characteristically, skin cancers enlarge or change over periods of weeks to years.

Mole mapping is intended to diagnose melanoma at the earliest possible stage, by identifying new moles or changes in preexisting moles. These features may be suspicious of melanoma if the lesion also has a disordered structure clinically or on dermoscopy.

It is important to note that while some lesions are obvious potential cancer growths, others may not be apparent despite the close-up dermatoscopy images. These moles may be excised (biopsied) and examined further using histological techniques.

Should this be the case, we will discuss in detail the need to biopsy your lesion. Reports from the mole mapping session will be compiled and sent to you approximately 4-6 weeks after the appointment; they are detailed and take a considerable amount of time to compile. These reports will help the patient to monitor all mapped moles for changes in size, shape, and color.

The previous record can be used to determine whether a lesion of concern is new or has changed.

There may be a melanoma in a hidden site that has not been imaged, such as the scalp or genitals.

If our doctors determine that a lesion has the criteria for removal, this can be done at the earliest possible stage, reducing the risk of melanoma and minimizing surgery.