Mole Screening and Self Examination

Mole, melanoma, skin cancer

Most people have moles or naevi, sometimes called beauty spots. Each mole is unique and changes very little over time. Most are usually safe and rarely change into melanomas.

Atypical moles may be larger, variable in colour and have irregular borders. These are the moles that are more susceptible to becoming malignant, and should be checked by a doctor.

A melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer. Melanomas result from the uncontrolled growth of the pigment cells in the skin. Melanoma may develop spontaneously, or in an existing mole. Early detection of a melanoma is essential for a better chance of survival.

How to tell the difference - An easy checklist

There are a number of early warning signs allowing diagnoses of a malignant skin lesion. Things that you could look for in your moles are:

• Asymmetry - When half of the mole does not match the other half.
• Border - When the borders are irregular.
• Colour - When the colour of the mole is variable throughout.
• Diameter - If the mole has a diameter of 6mm or more.

Click here to view the melanoma checklist for self examination.

Mole Screening

Mole mapping can now be done using a sophisticated, computerized scanning device known as a MOLEMAX. The MOLEMAX is operated by trained technicians at Mole Screening Centres where all scans are read by qualified dermatologists.

The MOLEMAX technique was developed in Austria and is now being widely used in many countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Europe and the USA.

How does the MOLEMAX work

A macro camera records the site of all moles, and a surface microscope using non-invasive polarized light is used to define details of the pigmented skin lesions not visible to the naked eye.

Computer assisted analysis of the moles enhances the accuracy of the diagnosis of suspicious lesions. In other words MOLEMAX takes the guesswork out of diagnoses.

A "mole-map" or "melanogram" is recorded at the time of each visit. Comparisons are made by the computer which can pick up changes of as little as 2% (vs. 20% required before being visible by the naked eye).

Advantages of MOLEMAX scanning:

• Early diagnoses of melanoma is possible.
• A reduction in unnecessary and expensive surgery of benign lesions.
• Accurate monitoring of all pigmented lesions.
• Quick, painless and non-invasive procedure which means no scarring.
• Safe in pregnancy and safe in children.
• Approved for use by the Dermatological Society of South Africa.
• Approved by most major Medical Aids.

Visit here to find a mole screening centre near you.