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Female Only Clinic
What is Map My Mole?
Map My Mole is a secure dermatology service, trusted by the NHS, that uses advanced digital imaging to assess suspicious moles or skin lesions. Capturing high-resolution images using a dermatoscope, these images are then reviewed by leading UK-based consultant dermatologists, who provide a detailed report for both you and our clinic. The report explains exactly what the lesion is and, if necessary, can be shared with your GP to help speed up any referral process.
How is the mole/lesion photographed?
Images of your mole or skin lesion are taken using a specialist, medical grade camera called a “dermatoscope”. It uses light and magnification to help a dermatologist see how your skin looks in more detail than you would be able to see with a naked eye or normal camera. The detailed images will make it easier to spot abnormalities that may require further investigation or diagnostic tests. Once the images are taken, they are sent to Map My Mole for review. Map My Mole is a third-party service provider we use to obtain an indicative opinion from a consultant dermatologist regarding your mole or skin lesion. The consultant will review all the information given and the images, then prepare a report for me so I can advise you on the next steps.
What information will you share with Map My Mole?
I need to send some of your personal information, including your name, contact details and some medical information (including the images we take of your mole) to Map My Mole when I submit the images for review. You can find Map My Mole’s privacy policy on their website at www.mapmymole.com, or I can email you a link to it.
What kind of results will I get & will it diagnose skin cancer?
Map My Mole provides comprehensive skin health information:
- Analysis of each mole's characteristics and risk level
- Early detection of potentially cancerous growths
- Peace of mind through regular monitoring
It’s important that you understand that it is not possible to diagnose any cancer from images, a formal diagnosis requires a biopsy (sample removed under anaesthetic) and histological assessment. However, the consultant’s report can help us identify a suspicious mole that might need further investigation such as a biopsy.
This is a screening service, not a diagnosis or treatment. However, it does provide a highly accurate initial assessment. If a lesion is flagged as suspicious, you’ll be advised on the next steps.
How quickly will I get the results?
Results are typically returned within 24-48 hours but is often sooner than this. Once the report comes in we will discuss next steps together. This may be no action at all, simply reassurance or perhaps you wish to have the lesion removed by me at SugarPod. If the report comes back from the consultant dermatologist as a concern, this report is your property and can be taken to your GP for a fast track referral, speeding up the process and avoiding long waits for an appointment in an already over-stretched NHS service.
How long does a Map My Mole screening take?
Typically around 30 minutes, depending on how many are being screened. Please be sure to book the right screening session based on the number of moles/lesions you would like screened, this is to ensure there is enough time allocated. Each mole or lesion requires separate screening questions and photos.
Please note - this is not a full body mole mapping service, if you have a large number of moles/lesions you would like screened then a comprehensive full body mapping is recommended at a clinic that offers this service.
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