FotoFinder Mole Mapping
A safe, non-invasive way of skin cancer prevention.
According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The number of new cases of melanoma has been increasing for at least 30 years. Melanoma is more likely to spread to nearby tissues and other parts of the body, making it harder to cure. Finding and treating melanoma skin cancer early may help prevent death from melanoma.
Patient billing
Find a providerFotoFinder is a computerized mole mapping system that creates an accurate set of photos of your moles. A high-resolution camera connected to a computer transfers all photos directly to the physician's database, giving your dermatologist the ability to compare your current moles with photos from your initial visit, and immediately identify new moles or changes to existing moles.
An added benefit of FotoFinder is that your doctor can provide you with a copy of your photos on a CD for self-examination at home. All patients, whether first time or returning, can feel safe that any changes or new moles will not be missed.
If any of the following questions apply to you, have your moles checked by your physician:
- Do you have multiple moles (more than 50)?
- Is there a history of skin cancer in your family?
- Did you already have a melanoma?
- Do you have large moles (more than 2 inches in diameter)?
- Have you noticed any changes in your moles?
- Have you noticed any new moles on your body?
- Did you have severe, blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence?
- Do you have very light skin?
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Melanoma, a form of cancer that begins in cells that make the pigment melanin, is one of the most dangerous cancer types and leads to thousands of deaths per year.
Using the “ABCDE” rule can help you to recognize suspicious moles during self evaluation. Moles which show one or more of the signs below should be treated with utmost attention and observed by your physician!
- A for Asymmetry
- B for irregular, Blurred or jagged Borders
- C for Color variation
- D for Diameter larger than ¼ inch
- E for Evolving, Any change — in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait
Early detection is key to survival from skin cancer
The National Cancer Institute highly recommends regular mole checks by your physician, since the best chances for surviving skin cancer lie in early detection. When melanoma is found early, the cure rate is over 95% because it can be excised before it spreads to other parts of the body.
The ability to identify new moles and notice changes in existing moles is critical in the early detection process. According to the American Cancer Society, ‘Part of a routine cancer-related check up should include a skin exam by a health care professional qualified to diagnose skin cancer. Many dermatologists use a technique called dermatoscopy (also known as dermoscopy, epiluminescence microscopy [ELM], or surface microscopy) to look at spots on the skin more clearly.’
If you think about it, every year your physician sees thousands of moles on hundreds of patients. This makes it impossible to remember what your moles looked like six months ago. That's why having a photo documentation system for the accurate tracking of moles is so important.