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Number 1 Skin Cancer & Pre-Cancer Care

A. Skin Cancer Diagnosis. Pre-Cancerous Lesions

Number 1 Skin Cancer & Pre-Cancer Care

A. Skin Cancer Diagnosis

B. Skin Cancer Types

C. Skin Cancer Treatment

D. Pre-Cancerous Lesions

Number 1 Medical Dermatology
(Chronic & Inflammatory Skin Diseases)
Number 3 Pigment & Lesion Disorders
Number 4 Non-Cancer Growth
Number 5 Surgical Dermatology (Non-Cancer Procedures)
Number 6 Cosmetic Dermatology
Mole Mapping PDF

• Mole Mapping
(Total-Body Photography Mole Monitoring)

1. What Is Mole Mapping?

Mole mapping is a skin surveillance program that combines:

  • Total-body photography (baseline photos of your skin), and

  • Digital dermoscopy (high-magnification images of selected moles)

These images are stored securely and compared over time to detect new moles or subtle changes early—especially important for melanoma screening in higher-risk patients.

2. Why Mole Mapping Matters

Some melanomas can be difficult to spot early because changes may be subtle. Mole mapping helps by:

  • Detecting new lesions that stand out (“new or different”)

  • Tracking atypical moles for change over time

  • Reducing unnecessary biopsies by allowing safe monitoring when appropriate

  • Supporting earlier diagnosis, when treatment is most effective

3. Who Benefits Most From Mole Mapping?

Mole mapping is often recommended if you:

  • Have many moles (commonly 50+)

  • Have atypical/dysplastic nevi

  • Have a personal or family history of melanoma

  • Sunburn easily or have a history of intense sun exposure

  • Have changing moles or “moles that look different from the others”

Your dermatologist will confirm whether mole mapping is right for you.

4. What Happens During a Mole Mapping Visit

A typical visit may include:

  1. Full-body skin exam by your dermatologist

  2. Baseline total-body photographs (to document your skin pattern)

  3. Dermoscopic images of selected moles that need closer monitoring

  4. A personalized follow-up plan based on your risk level

If a spot appears suspicious, your dermatologist may recommend a biopsy.

5. Pre-Op Instructions
(Before Your Mole Mapping Appointment)

To get the best images and most accurate baseline:

24–48 hours before

  • Avoid sunburn or tanning (sunburn can make evaluation harder)

  • If possible, avoid self-tanners for at least 1 week

  • Make a note of any moles you’re worried about (phone photo is fine)

Day of appointment

  • Wear loose, easy-to-change clothing

  • Avoid heavy makeup, body oils, or glitter lotions
  • Expect results in several business days (timing varies)

  • Remove nail polish if possible (nails can be part of skin screening)

  • Tie up long hair or bring a hair clip (helps scalp exam)

Bring a list of:

– Personal/family skin cancer history

-Any prior biopsies or melanoma diagnoses

-Medications (especially immunosuppressants)

Privacy note: You will be draped appropriately, and only medically necessary images are taken.

6. Post-Op Instructions (After Your Mole Mapping Appointment)

If no biopsy was done

  • No downtime—return to normal activities immediately

  • Follow your dermatologist’s plan for:

    • Routine skin exams

    • Digital follow-up comparisons (commonly 3–12 months depending on risk)

If a biopsy was done (sometimes happens the same day)

You will receive specific wound care instructions, but typical guidance includes:

  • Keep the area clean and covered as directed

  • Avoid swimming/hot tubs until healed

  • Watch for infection signs: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever

7. How Often Will I Need Mole Mapping?

Follow-up depends on your risk level:

  • Higher risk: more frequent monitoring (often every 3–6 months initially)

  • Moderate risk: typically every 6–12 months

  • Lower risk: periodic monitoring as advised

Your dermatologist will tailor the schedule to your history and mole pattern.

Where Mole Mapping Fits in Our Services

Category: 👉 Skin Cancer & Precancerous Conditions
Mole mapping supports early detection and careful monitoring for patients at elevated risk.

Call to Action

A strong baseline makes it easier to spot change early.
👉 Schedule a Full-Body Skin Exam + Mole Mapping

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mole mapping and a regular skin exam?

A regular skin exam checks your skin for suspicious lesions today.
Mole mapping creates a baseline photo record and tracks change over time—especially helpful if you have many or atypical moles.

No. Total-body photography and dermoscopy are painless and noninvasive.

Not necessarily. Total-body photos document your overall skin pattern. Your dermatologist may take close-up dermoscopic images of selected moles that need monitoring.

No. Mole mapping helps determine which moles can be safely monitored—but if a lesion looks suspicious, a biopsy is still the definitive test.

It varies by the number of moles and images needed. Most visits take longer than a standard skin exam, but many patients find it worthwhile for peace of mind and accuracy.

Contact us if you notice:

  • A new spot that stands out

  • A mole that is changing

  • A sore that doesn’t heal

  • A spot that bleeds, crusts, or becomes painful/itchy

It’s most commonly used for melanoma surveillance, but it can also help monitor other changing lesions and support comprehensive skin cancer screening.

Images are stored securely as part of your medical record and used only for clinical care and comparisons over time.

Coverage varies by plan and medical necessity. Our office can help review coverage and options before your visit.