Mole Mapping – When is it Necessary?

We all have moles. In most people they are perfectly normal and harmless. However, in a small minority, a mole can change over time and develop into melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer.

The good news: when diagnosed early, melanoma is in a big percentage of patients curable. This is where mole mapping comes in: a painless, non-invasive examination that allows us to detect suspicious changes before they become dangerous.

What is mole mapping?

In simple terms, it is the high-resolution “photographing” of the entire skin, with digital recording of every mole. At subsequent visits, with the help of specialized software and AI, the photographs can be compared, with the previous ones, so that we can precisely see which moles have changed in size, shape, or colour, even if the change is minimal.

At our clinic, mole mapping is performed with the FotoFinder Vexia system, one of the most advanced technologies in the field. The examination is completely painless, takes 30-60 minutes, and requires no particular preparation.

Who should have mole mapping?

Mole mapping is not necessary for everyone, but it is particularly important for certain groups of people who are at increased risk of melanoma:

People with many moles on their body (more than 50).
People with fair skin type, blonde or red hair, and light eyes.
Those with a personal history of melanoma or other skin cancer.
Those with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with a history of melanoma.
People with a history of severe sunburns, especially in childhood.
People with dysplastic naevi (moles with atypical features).
Immunosuppressed patients (e.g. after transplantation or chronic immunosuppression).
Professionals with chronic sun exposure (farmers, sailors, construction workers).

How does digital mole mapping help, compared with a simple check?

Classical clinical examination with a hand-held dermatoscope is very useful and forms the basis of dermatological assessment. However, in a patient with 80 or 100 moles, the human eye cannot remember the exact image of every mole from visit to visit. Digital mole mapping provides objective, measurable comparison over time, and can detect changes that could otherwise be missed.

How often should it be done?

For most patients, annual follow-up is recommended. For high-risk individuals (e.g. with a history of melanoma or many dysplastic naevi), frequency may be every 6 months. The exact frequency is determined individually at the visits.

When not to wait for the next scheduled check

Regardless of any scheduled mole mapping, immediate dermatological assessment is needed if you notice the so-called ABCDE criteria in a mole or any change that alarms you:

A (Asymmetry): one half does not match the other in 2 axis.
B (Border): the outline is irregular or blurred.
C (Colour): multiple colours – black, brown, red, white – in different parts of the same mole.
D (Diameter): greater than 5-6 millimetres.
E (Evolution): the mole changes over time (grows, changes colour, bleeds, itches).

In addition, a new mole appearing after the age of 40 always deserves a dermatological evaluation.

Conclusion

Mole mapping is not a “cure-all” for everyone, but for those in high-risk groups it can literally save lives. It is a simple, painless, and quick examination that offers the great advantage of early diagnosis. If you recognize yourself in any of the categories above, it is worth scheduling one.

📅 Book your appointment for mole mapping.

Read more on the Dermato-Oncology – Mole Mapping page.