Mole Mapping

What is mole mapping?

Mole mapping, also called total body photography, is a series of standardised, high-resolution photographs of your entire skin surface. Close-up magnified images of individual moles can also be taken with a dermatoscope, a specialist hand-held camera that shows the structure of a mole beneath the skin surface.

Together, these images form a detailed baseline record of your skin. At later visits, new photographs are taken in exactly the same positions and compared with the originals. This makes it much easier to spot a new mole, or a subtle change in an existing one, than relying on memory or a written description.

Mole mapping is carried out using the Canfield IntelliStudio, an automated imaging system designed for total body photography. Its motorised camera adjusts to your height, and pose templates guide you into the same positions each time, so that follow-up images line up closely with the originals. The manufacturer states that a full set of whole-body photographs can be captured in under two minutes, using both standard and cross-polarised lighting to show surface detail and pigment clearly.

The photographs are a record, not a diagnosis. They are reviewed alongside an examination of your skin by a dermatologist.

What is it used for?

Mole mapping is most useful for people who have a higher than average risk of melanoma, or whose moles are difficult to keep track of. This includes people with a large number of moles, typically more than 100; several atypical (dysplastic) moles or atypical mole syndrome; a previous melanoma; or a close family history of melanoma.

It can also help people with fair skin and significant sun damage, people who have had other skin cancers, and anyone who finds it hard to check their own skin, for example because many moles are on the back.

By showing which moles are stable over time, mole mapping can help avoid removing moles that are not changing, while making it easier to pick up early changes that need attention.

Before your procedure

Please do not apply fake tan, body make-up, oils or heavy moisturisers on the day, as these can affect the quality of the photographs. Try to avoid sunburn or a deep tan before your appointment.

You will be asked to undress to your underwear for the photographs, and a gown is provided. Long hair should be tied back so that the neck and upper back can be seen. Let us know if there is a mole you are particularly worried about, including in areas covered by underwear.

If you have private medical insurance, please check with your insurer before booking whether mole mapping is covered and whether any excess applies.

What happens on the day?

You will stand in front of the IntelliStudio in a series of set poses, guided by the operator, while the system takes photographs of the front, back and sides of your body. The process is quick and painless, and nothing touches your skin. The camera uses a bright flash, similar to ordinary photography, and no radiation is involved.

Close-up dermatoscope images may then be taken of individual moles that need a closer look. The dermatoscope rests lightly on the skin for a moment and is painless.

Your skin will also be examined by a dermatologist, including areas that photographs do not capture well, such as the scalp, between the toes and the soles of the feet.

What to expect afterwards

There is no recovery time, and you can return to your normal activities straight away. If a mole looks concerning, the next steps will be discussed with you, which may include closer monitoring or removing it for examination under the microscope.

Aftercare

No aftercare is needed. Between appointments, continue to check your own skin once a month, ideally with the help of a partner or a mirror for areas that are hard to see, and protect your skin from the sun with shade, clothing and a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or above.

Do not wait for your next mapping appointment if you spot a new mole, or one that is growing, changing shape or colour, bleeding, itching or crusting; contact the clinic instead.

What are the risks?

Mole mapping is non-invasive and has no physical risks. The images are stored securely as part of your medical record.

It does have limitations. Photographs cannot show every area of skin, such as the scalp beneath hair, the genital area and inside the mouth. A melanoma can still develop between appointments, and some melanomas do not arise from an existing mole. Mole mapping therefore supports, but does not replace, regular self-checks and prompt review of any new or changing mark.

Comparing images may highlight changes that turn out to be harmless, and occasionally a mole is removed and found to be benign.

Results and follow-up

Your baseline images are reviewed, and any moles that need closer attention are identified and discussed with you. Repeat mapping is usually advised every 6 to 12 months, depending on your individual risk, with each new set of images compared with the previous ones.

Most moles stay the same over time. Any mole showing a significant change can then be assessed and, if necessary, removed for examination under the microscope.

More information

If you have any questions about your procedure, please contact the clinic before booking.

This page gives general information only and is not a substitute for a consultation. Everyone's skin is different, and what is right for you will depend on your own circumstances. If you are worried about a skin problem, please book an appointment with Dr Mounsey or speak to your GP. If you have a mole or skin lesion that is changing, bleeding or growing quickly, please seek medical advice promptly.