What dermoscopy is
Dermoscopy is a painless, non-invasive examination. The doctor looks at your moles through a dermatoscope, an instrument with special lighting and magnification that shows structures in the skin that cannot be seen with the naked eye. This helps to tell a harmless mole more reliably from a lesion that needs further investigation.
What mole mapping is
In digital mole mapping, your moles are photographed and the images are stored in the practice’s digital dermoscopy system. At your next check-up, the new images are compared with the previous ones to see whether any mole has changed or a new one has appeared. Mole mapping is especially useful for people with many moles.
When to have a check
It is a good idea to see a dermatologist if:
- a new mole has appeared in adult life
- a mole is changing in size, shape or colour
- a mole itches, hurts or bleeds
- you have many moles or moles that look irregular
- there is a history of melanoma in your family
- you have fair skin or have often been sunburnt
The ABCDE rule can help with self-examination: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, uneven Colour, a Diameter larger than 6 millimetres and Evolution, meaning change over time. This rule does not replace an examination by a dermatologist.
What happens at your check
First the doctor asks about your medical history and any moles that worry you. He then examines all of your skin, from the scalp to the soles of your feet, and checks the relevant moles with the dermatoscope. You will be asked to undress down to your underwear.
If a mole needs further investigation, the doctor will explain the next steps. These may be monitoring the mole, or removing it and sending it for histology (see dermatosurgery). He will also suggest how often you should have your moles checked.
Please come without make-up or nail polish, so that all of your skin can be examined.
Duration and booking
A mole check with dermoscopy takes about 30 minutes and mole mapping about 40 minutes. Book online or call +30 210 577 4392. The practice is at Menelaou 74 in Ilion, opposite the Town Hall.
The information on this website does not replace a medical examination.