Mole Scanning
Lucy Stone RGN Specialist trained in Dermoscopy and SIAscopy and Practice Nurse.
Skin cancer- the facts
Skin cancer has the fastest growing number of incidents of all cancers in the UK, with Surrey having one of the highest rates. There are more skin cancers now than every other type of cancer combined. The main cause of skin cancer is from too much sun or sun bed use. Although most of us enjoy spending time in the sun, the sun’s rays have damaging effects as well.
There are three types of skin cancer:
Basal cell cancer (rodent ulcer), squamous cell cancer and malignant melanoma.
Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, killing around 2300 people every year. It can be quite aggressive and spreads quickly. Detecting even the smallest change in a mole and early intervention can save lives.
What is Mole Scanning?
Mole Scanning is a non-invasive, rapid and painless way to check your moles and lesions. Using a specialist SIAscopy camera it analyses the structure of your skin 2mm deep. SIAscopy is the latest device in skin cancer diagnostic accuracy recognised by the NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence). It assists in making an instant decision on the health of a mole and store information for possible future comparison. Mole Scanning clinics are very common in Australia, where people are more aware of the dangers of too much sun and UV exposure.
Why have moles scanned?
If you are worried or notice a mole that has changed in shape, size or colour, it is itchy, bleeds easily, is crusty or non-healing then you should have the mole investigated immediately.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you can book directly. A doctor’s referral
is welcome but not required.
Is it important to have a full body examination when you are only concerned about one mole?
Often patients may have a particular mole or lesion that is worrying them which may in fact be innocent. During a full body examination another mole, that you were not aware of, could be found to be suspicious. In addition, you may not be able to see all your skin yourself or not know what to look for.
What takes place during a Mole Scanning consultation?
A specialist nurse will take a history from you to include sun and sun bed exposure and make a risk assessment from 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, 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 a more accurate assessment is offered using a specialist camera.
Will it hurt?
No. Mole Scanning is a painless, non-invasive, safe and rapid investigation using a special camera that can analyse the structure of the skin 2mm. deep. It can detect many types of suspicious lesions at the early stages, before they become apparent to the naked eye.
How long will it take?
A full examination and assessment will take approx. 30 minutes. Individual mole scanning would take an additional 15 minutes per mole approximately.
What happens next?
Mole Scanning is designed to give you immediate reassurance if the mole is found to be non-cancerous. A colour analysis prints out and report of your moles is given to you to take home. If a mole is found to be suspicious you can take these to your GP or Dermatologist for advice on further treatment.
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 nurse will be happy to answer them.
For further information or to book an appointment please telephone the Mole Scanning clinic on 01932 888 663.
Visit: www.molescanningclinic.com and www.cancerhelp.org.uk
Email: info@molescanningclinic.com