Melanocytic nevi or moles are common skin lesions. Almost everyone has a few and some people develop hundreds.
Probably the most important thing to know about moles is that melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, in the early stages of development may look like a mole or can develop in a mole.
Early detection of skin cancer delivers the best chances for survival. When melanoma is detected early, the cure rate is over 95% as it can be excised before it starts spreading to other parts of the body.
The ability to detect new moles and changes in existing moles is critical in the early detection process.
Individuals with many moles or those who have high risk moles, should have regular preventive skin checks in order to rule out melanoma.
Apart from the examination magnifying light, moles are also examined with a special medical device called dermatoscope. Dermatoscopy (epiluminescence microscopy) is a rapidly advancing imaging technique that substantially increases diagnostic accuracy. Continuous training and accumulated experience are important for the correct interpretation of dermatoscopic findings.
The hand-held dermatoscope is a valuable tool for the modern dermatologist. It is the equivalent of what is the stethoscope for the internist.
The evolution of the hand-held device is the digital dermatoscope, that has the ability to take and store digital images of specific lesions.
Mole mapping is performed with the digital dermatoscope system.
Our practice is equipped with one of the most advanced digital dermatoscopy platforms – Dermoscope Vexia by FotoFinder Systems.
This computerized mole mapping system is used to create an accurate set of photos of your moles. The high-resolution camera is connected to a computer and transfers all photos directly our database. Thus we have the ability to compare your moles with photos from your initial visit, and immediately identify new moles or changes to existing moles on your body. This procedure can increase the accuracy in detecting suspicious lesions and prevents the unnecessary excision of benign moles.
