At Hollywood Dermatology & Cosmetic Specialists, home to several South Florida dermatologists, including three Fellows of the American Academy of Dermatology, we safeguard your skin health with our state-of-the-art mole mapping service.
This clinical dermatology diagnostic tool is vital in detecting skin changes early. It helps you stay proactive in the fight against skin cancer, whether you have a history of skin conditions or wish to enhance your preventative care. Trust our expertise and commitment to personalized treatment.
What is Mole Mapping?
Mole mapping is the most advanced method for early diagnosis of skin cancer. With a medical camera, your doctor takes microscopic photos of your moles (digital dermoscopy). They also take overview images of your body to localize the moles and find them again at follow-up visits. The mole images can be measured, analyzed, and stored in a digital database.
At regular examinations, follow-up images are taken and compared side by side to detect even the slightest changes and identify signs of possible skin cancer.
What Are the Advantages of Mole Mapping?
Benefits of mole mapping include:
- Long-term observation through mole mapping provides the best prevention for skin cancer.
- Moles at risk and new moles are detected at an early stage.
- Your doctor sees small changes in structure comparing your moles over time, and you can follow the examination on screen.
- Continuous skin checks are painless and help to avoid unnecessary excisions of benign moles.
Ideal Mole Mapping Candidates
You should consider mole mapping if:
- You have a large number of moles or freckles.
- You have dysplastic (abnormal) or irregularly shaped moles.
- You have a history of melanoma or other skin cancers or a family history of these conditions.
- You have light skin, light-colored eyes, or red or blond hair.
- You have had frequent sunburns, used tanning beds, or spent long periods in the sun without protection.
- You want peace of mind.
Mole Mapping Frequency
The frequency of mole mapping depends on your individual risk factors and dermatologist recommendations. Here are some guidelines:
- High-Risk Individuals: You’re high-risk if you have many moles, a family or personal history of skin cancer, or atypical moles. In that case, your dermatologist may recommend mole mapping every 6 to 12 months.
- Moderate-Risk Individuals: You’re moderate-risk if you have traits like fair skin or a history of significant sun exposure. For you, annual mole mapping is usually enough.
- Low-Risk Individuals: You’re low-risk if you have few moles and no other significant risk factors. You can likely get away with mapping every 1 to 2 years.
Mole mapping is most effective when used to track changes over time. Sticking to a regular schedule helps you identify suspicious changes early.
Response to Abnormal Moles
Your dermatologist may detect an abnormal mole during your appointment. In that case, they will respond with a systematic and proactive approach:
- Detailed Examination: The dermatologist will examine the abnormal mole using a dermatoscope or other diagnostic tools.
- Comparison with Previous Images: If you’ve undergone mole mapping before, the dermatologist will compare new findings with previous images.
- Risk Assessment: Based on its appearance and changes, the dermatologist will determine whether the mole appears benign, atypical, or suspicious for skin cancer.
- Biopsy Recommendation: If the mole is suspicious, your dermatologist may recommend a biopsy to confirm whether it is benign or malignant.
- Treatment Plan: If the biopsy reveals skin cancer, your dermatologist will discuss treatment options. These may include surgical removal or other therapies.
- Monitoring: If the mole is atypical but not cancerous, your dermatologist may recommend more frequent monitoring to track further changes.
Why Choose Hollywood Dermatology & Cosmetic Specialists?
Hollywood Dermatology & Cosmetic Specialists is the premier choice for comprehensive skin care in South Florida. We have five convenient locations offering cosmetic and clinical dermatology services, including state-of-the-art mole mapping.
Backed by a skilled team of dermatologists, including several Fellows of the American Academy of Dermatology, our practice boasts over 25 years of experience delivering superior care. It doesn’t matter if you seek advanced skin cancer screening or innovative cosmetic treatments. Our expertise ensures personalized, effective solutions for your skin health.
Schedule a Consultation in South Florida
At Hollywood Dermatology & Cosmetic Specialists, we offer comprehensive mole mapping services. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.
We have five offices throughout South Florida. You can reach us at:
- 954.961.1200 (Hollywood)
- 954.433.0455 (Pembroke Pines)
- 954.456.5050 (Hallandale)
- 954.843.9443 (West Miramar)
- 786.272.2500 (Doral)
You can also book an appointment online. However you choose to get in touch, we can’t wait to work with you.
