Skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when it’s found early, and early detection almost always comes down to noticing that a mole has changed. Mole mapping is designed to make exactly that possible: by examining and recording your moles, a dermatologist builds an accurate baseline, so any change can be identified quickly at future visits.
For anyone with a number of moles, a family history, or years of sun exposure, it’s one of the most effective ways to stay ahead of skin cancer, and it offers real peace of mind too. This guide explains when it’s worth having your moles checked, what a mole check and mole mapping involve, and how often to have your skin reviewed.
When should you get your moles checked?
If a mole is changing, or a new one has appeared and is behaving differently from the rest, it’s worth having it looked at. You don’t need to be certain something is wrong. Uncertainty is a perfectly good reason to get checked, and in most cases the outcome is reassurance.
The changes I’d encourage people to act on include a mole that is getting bigger, changing shape or colour, becoming itchy or sore, bleeding or crusting, or simply starting to look different from your other moles. A routine mole check is one of the most common reasons people come to see us, and there’s no such thing as wasting our time with a mole you’re worried about.
It’s also worth saying that you don’t have to wait until you’ve spotted something specific. Plenty of people come in simply for peace of mind, particularly if they have a lot of moles or have had a lot of sun over the years, and that’s an entirely sensible reason to book a check.
What happens during a mole check?
A mole check is straightforward, painless and usually quicker than people expect. It begins with a conversation: I’ll take a medical and skin history, and ask about things like family history and your history of sun exposure, so I can understand your personal risk factors for skin cancer.
After that, I examine the skin using a dermatoscope, a specialised handheld magnifying device with its own built-in light source that lets me see the structure and pigment pattern of a mole in far more detail than the naked eye allows, and which is a standard part of any thorough skin examination.
If a mole looks suspicious, I may recommend a biopsy, where a small sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and if any minor surgery is needed, I’ll talk you through exactly what that involves. For most people, though, a mole check is quick and gives a clear answer.
In this short video I talk through what a mole check involves, from taking your history and identifying your risk factors, to examining the skin with a dermatoscope and, if needed, recommending a biopsy.
What is mole mapping and how does it work?
Mole mapping is a whole-body skin examination carried out by a dermatologist, using a dermatoscope to examine your moles and skin lesions in detail. Where a mole is worth keeping an eye on, high-resolution photographs are taken so there’s a clear record to compare against in future.
It’s particularly useful if you have a large number of moles, or moles that are difficult to keep track of yourself, because it turns “has this changed?” from a guess into a proper comparison.
Why it matters who carries out your mole mapping
This is worth understanding before you book anywhere. Some services described as “mole mapping” rely on a camera operator or nurse photographing and analysing moles with a computer system. Photographic systems can give a useful visual record, but a photograph doesn’t make a diagnosis. Accurately assessing whether a mole is suspicious still requires examination by a dermatologist trained in skin cancer, someone who does this day in, day out and knows the subtle features that separate a harmless mole from one that needs attention. When you’re deciding where to have your skin checked, it’s worth knowing who will actually be looking at it.
Who is most at risk and should be monitored?
Skin cancer can affect anyone, but some people are at higher risk and benefit most from regular monitoring. You’re more likely to be advised to have your moles mapped and reviewed if you have:
- A large number of moles, or atypical (irregular) moles
- A personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancer
- Fair skin that burns easily, or a history of significant sunburn
- A history of a lot of sun exposure or use of sunbeds
- A weakened immune system, for example after an organ transplant or certain medications
In the clinic, we quite often see people with a number of atypical moles where one is worth removing or watching closely, while all the rest are entirely benign, and confirming that is a big part of what a check provides. We also see people who have had a mole removed or a skin cancer treated in the past, and for them regular monitoring is especially worthwhile.
How often should you have a skin check?
For most people at higher risk, an annual skin check is a sensible rhythm. If you’ve had skin cancer before, or your dermatologist is monitoring specific moles, you may be asked to come back more often, sometimes at three or six months, so any change can be picked up early.
Between professional checks, it’s well worth getting to know your own skin and glancing over it every month or so, so that anything new or changing stands out. You don’t need to examine yourself forensically. The aim is simply to be familiar enough with what’s normal for you that a genuine change catches your eye. If something does, that’s the point to book a check rather than wait for your next routine visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is mole mapping painful?
No. Mole mapping is non-invasive and painless. It involves examining and photographing the skin, with nothing more uncomfortable than standing while the skin is looked at closely. If a biopsy is ever recommended afterwards, that’s done separately and under local anaesthetic.
How long does a mole check take?
It varies with how many moles you have, but a thorough check is usually a straightforward appointment rather than a lengthy one. Having a lot of moles, or asking for a full mapping record, can take a little longer, which is why it’s usually booked as its own dedicated appointment.
Can I check my own moles at home?
Yes, and it’s a good habit. Getting familiar with your own skin and checking it every month or so helps you notice change early. Self-checks don’t replace a professional assessment, but they’re an excellent complement to one, and they help you know when to come in.
Do I need a referral to have my moles checked?
At our clinic you can book a mole check directly as a self-paying patient, without a GP referral. If you’re using medical insurance, it’s worth checking your policy, as some insurers ask for a referral first.
Is it worth getting mole mapping if I’m probably fine?
For many people the value of mole mapping is knowing where they stand, along with an accurate baseline to compare against in future. If you have a lot of moles, a family history, or you simply worry about your skin, it’s a sensible and proactive step, and most checks end in good news.
Booking a mole check or mole mapping
If you’ve noticed a mole changing, or you’d simply feel reassured by having your skin checked over by a dermatologist, we’re here to help. Most of what we see is harmless, and where it isn’t, finding it early makes all the difference.
To arrange a mole check or mole mapping with one of our Consultant Dermatologists, contact The London Skin and Hair Clinic.
About the author: Dr Martin Wade is a Consultant Dermatologist at The London Skin and Hair Clinic. Australian-trained and registered with the General Medical Council on the Specialist Register for Dermatology, he specialises in skin cancer, hair loss and scalp conditions, and acne, and holds an NHS leadership role in skin cancer. Read more about Dr Wade and book a consultation on his profile.