Shield yourself from the country’s most preventable cancer.
Mole mapping could be the answer to your prayers. Melanoma skin cancer cases are rising at an alarming rate in Australia and there will be an estimated 18,964 new melanoma cases in 2024. Knowing how to spot potential problems early is key.
The good news:
Survival rates increase significantly if melanoma is detected early, with long-term survival rates for stage 1 melanoma being over 95%. That’s why mole mapping services have become an invaluable resource for those seeking expert monitoring and analysis.
But before we get into mole mapping let’s dive deep into the underlying concept and what mole mapping has to offer…
In this article, we will cover:
- The concept of mole mapping
- The significance of mole mapping for your health
- The Mole Mapping process
- People who should get mole mapping
- How often should mole mapping be done
What Is Mole Mapping?
Mole mapping, in simple words, is a skin monitoring technique that helps track changes in your moles overtime.
Essentially, it involves taking comprehensive images of your body and creating a roadmap of your moles which your doctor can access anytime to see how your skin has changed over time.
Here’s why that’s important:
If it comes to melanoma, early detection is key. Comparing your current images to previous ones will help your doctor identify even the slightest changes on your skin that might be of concern. So if you’re looking for professional monitoring, you can get a skin check in Melbourne by booking a mole mapping session.
Thanks to advances in technology, mole mapping systems can identify lesions and help doctors interpret them. The most modern systems will use imaging combined with artificial intelligence to find lesions that are suspicious.
Mind blown? Ne?
Why Mole Mapping Is Important For Your Health
Australia has the highest rate of melanoma worldwide.
Yes, you read that right. Australia has the dubious distinction of being the most melanoma-ridden country in the world.
Hold on. Let’s just take this in for a second
Did you know that two in three Australians are going to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the time they’re 70? Now while those aren’t exactly great odds; here’s where mole mapping comes in…
Early Detection
This cannot be overstated enough. The earlier melanoma is detected, the more treatable it is.
Survival rates for stage 1 melanoma are close to 100%. Once melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, it becomes much more difficult to treat.
Mole mapping gives you the greatest chance of detecting changes in your skin at the earliest possible stage.
Keep Track of Changes
Melanomas can be hard to identify in their early stages. They tend to develop slowly and may look very similar to normal moles at first glance.
But by having your moles mapped out, any changes that occur over the course of months or even years become much more apparent.
Peace Of Mind
Constantly living in fear of skin cancer is no way to live.
Regular mole mapping sessions can provide you with a great deal of peace of mind. Knowing that your doctor has thoroughly examined your moles and given you the all clear is hugely reassuring.
The Mole Mapping Process
Curious about how mole mapping sessions work? The procedure is easy and completely non-invasive.
Follow along as we run through a typical mole mapping session:
Full Body Photography
The process begins with total body photography. After changing into medical underwear, a trained technician will take a series of images of your entire body from different angles.
These images are of the highest quality – way beyond what a regular camera or even a smartphone can produce.
Close-Up Images
The next step is called dermoscopy. This is when the technician takes a series of close-up images of your individual moles using a special camera called a dermatoscope.
The dermatoscope enables doctors to see below the surface of the skin. It reveals patterns and structures not visible to the naked eye.
Digital Analysis
All of your images are uploaded to a secure database. Software then analyzes each individual mole, measuring its size, shape, colour and other features.
The system will automatically flag any moles that exhibit warning signs.
Doctor Review
The last step is an in-depth review by a qualified doctor. They will go over all of your images with you and discuss any concerns.
If there are any suspicious moles, they will be arranged for biopsy or removal at this time.
The entire process usually takes around 30-45 minutes.
Who Should Get Mole Mapping
You may be wondering if mole mapping is right for you? The answer is that it depends. Certain individuals will benefit more from having regular mole mapping sessions than others.
You should strongly consider mole mapping if you:
- Have fair skin that burns easily
- Have a history of sunburns or tanning bed use
- Have many moles (more than 50)
- Have atypical or irregular looking moles
- Have a personal history of skin cancer
- Have a family history of melanoma
But anyone concerned about their skin health can benefit from mole mapping. Australia’s intense UV exposure means that all of us are at some level of risk.
High-Risk Individuals
If you’ve been diagnosed with melanoma in the past, mole mapping becomes even more important. People who have had one melanoma are at a significantly higher risk of developing another.
Young People Too
Don’t think mole mapping is just for older adults, either.
Melanoma rates have been going down in younger Australians in recent years as a result of improved sun safety education. But that doesn’t mean that young people are not at risk.
How Often Mole Mapping Should Be Done
The frequency with which you should get mole mapping will depend on your individual risk factors.
This is the general rule:
Average Risk
If you have no significant risk factors, then having mole mapping once per year is usually enough. This will give your doctor a solid baseline to work with and allow for year-on-year comparisons.
High Risk
Those at higher risk should consider having more frequent sessions. A six-monthly appointment is often recommended for people who have:
- Multiple atypical moles
- Previous melanoma diagnosis
- Strong family history of skin cancer
Your doctor will be able to give you more personalised advice based on your specific circumstances.
After Notable Changes
If a suspicious mole is identified and removed, you may need to have more frequent follow-ups initially. Your doctor will put together a monitoring schedule to make sure the area heals properly.
Time To Take Action
Mole mapping is more than just another medical procedure – it’s a potentially life-saving investment in your health.
With melanoma rates continuing to rise year-on-year, and Australia now having the dubious honour of being the most melanoma-ridden country on the planet; it’s more important than ever to take control of your skin health.
Here’s why:
- You get the chance to detect skin issues early on when treatment is most effective.
- Comprehensive tracking of skin changes over time, all professionally analyzed using the latest technology.
- The peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re being proactive in your skin care.
Don’t wait until you notice a suspicious change on your skin, by then it might already be too late. Regular mole mapping will catch issues before they even become visible to the naked eye.
Schedule your first mole mapping session today. Whether you are at high risk or just want the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring; it’s a small price to pay for something that might just save your life one day.
Your skin is your largest organ, it deserves the same amount of care and attention that you give everything else, doesn’t it?
