Mole Scanning
Our MOLE SCANNING & SCREENING process uses the latest technology in skin cancer accuracy. It is a first class service and is more likely to be accurate than checks done by GPs as many simply do not have time in their busy surgeries to carry out a full top to toe examination.
What happens during a MOLE SCANNING consultation?
A Specialist Nurse will take a history from you and make a risk assessment from previous sun or sun bed exposure, genetic and visual information. You will be advised on how to minimise your risk. Sun advice and skin cancer leaflets will be given.
If requested, a full body examination is performed using a magnifying aspheric lens and dermoscopy, during which you will not be required to remove underwear. If any unusual moles or lesions are found they are marked with a washable marker pen and an additional diagnostic assessment is offered using a specialist SIAscope scanning camera.
Will it hurt?
No. Mole Scanning is a painless, non-invasive, safe and rapid investigation using a special camera that can analyse structures in the skin 2mm. deep. It can detect many types of suspicious lesions at the early stages, before they become apparent to the naked eye…. tell tale signs of potential skin cancer by finding holes in collagen,melanin in the dermis and unusual blood vessel formations that could be feeding a tumour.The results and scoring system will be discussed immediately unlike some clinics that send photos away.
How long will it take?
A full examination and assessment will take approx. 30 minutes. If needed, individual mole scanning would take an additional 15 minutes per mole. An hour is allocated for new patients.
What happens next?
Mole Scanning is designed to give you immediate reassurance if the mole is found to be non-cancerous. A colour analysis print or pdf of your moles is given or sent to you. In some cases the nurse may want you to return to monitor your mole over time. This could avoid unnecessary removal in the future.
If you have any further questions the Specialist Dermoscopy trained Nurse will be happy to answer them.