The Importance of Mole Screening
Why Mole Screening?
Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Ireland with over 13,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland expects this number to double by 2040. Skin cancer is a disease of skin cells. Nine out of every 10 cases are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds. Annual digital screening with AI technology allows for early detection of melanoma and other common skin cancers which can greatly improve prognosis. Here at Rose Clinic we offer a unique layered screening process that uses total body mapping with digital dermoscopy and AI technology, combined with physical analysis of your moles.
We offer Full Body Digital Mole Screening. It is our most comprehensive service. It includes a head-to-toe skin and mole check with both physical examination and digital imaging technology. This allows rapid identification of new moles and monitoring changes in existing skin lesions.
If you do not wish to attend for a full body mole mapping, we also offer a digital dermoscopy assessment of a select few lesions.
Early detection is vital and if diagnosed early, up to 90% of cases are curable. In the case of melanoma picking up on it early can save a life.
For this reason, we feel it is important for everyone to be skin aware, to perform monthly self-checks for changes, and for at-risk individuals, regular screening should be considered.
- Awarded best doctor Los Angeles in IPSA 2020.
Should I Have
Mole Screening?
People who are at increase risk of melanoma should consider having their moles mapped. This include anyone with:
- Large number moles (more than 50)
- Moles that are large, or unusual in size, shape, or colour
- Family or personal history of melanoma
- Pale skin that burns easily in the sun
- Previous episodes of severe sunburn
- A lot of sun exposure, including outdoor workers and people who take regular sun holidays
- A suppressed immune system
- Moles on the back, which may be difficult to keep an eye on
- Any recent change to individual moles
How is
Mole Screening Done?
At your appointment, you’ll be seen by a Melanographer who will take the time to thoroughly check your skin from head to toe. They will direct you to position your body in a variety of poses to ensure every area of skin is imaged by our digital camera, before then using digital dermoscopy to further image any lesion that may be of concern, or stands out compared to its “neighbours”. They’ll help you feel at ease throughout the whole process. After your appointment, your file will be reviewed by our medical team of doctors with the assistance of digital 3D imagery and AI technology. After your visit, we will inform you of the recommendations of our medical team, usually within 10 working days.
Mole Screening?
The ensure a more accurate screening, we need as clear a view of your skin as possible. To achieve this, would would ask you of the following;
- Please do not wear any Make Up/Fake Tan, or anything that may discolour your skin.
- Please have your hair tied back up away from your face and neck.
- Please trim any body hair in areas where there are lesions for viewing.
- If possible, do not wear any nail varnish.
How often should I have it?
We usually recommend yearly mole screening to allow for the early identification of new moles or changes in existing skin lesions. In some cases, repeat imaging at a shorter interval may be recommended by our medical team to ensure the stability of atypical lesions. Our team will also educate you on how to self-check your skin and identify concerning moles. If you note any changes between visits, please contact one of our clinic where we will be happy to discuss repeat mole screening or “spot” checks of any lesion of concern.
