Leaflet Details
| Title | Mole Mapping |
| Department | Dermatology |
| Author(s) | Dermatology Team |
| Review Date | February 2025 |
| Next Review | February 2027 |
| Download | A4 Handout PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
What is mole mapping?
Mole mapping involves taking whole body photographic images, to accurately map out all of the moles on your body. Close up, microscopic, images can also be taken of moles of concern. The images are stored on a database. The photographs can then be repeated at a later date. Artificial intelligence is then used to compare the images and see if any moles have changed.
Your doctor will then review the images and see if any further action then needs to be taken, such as repeating the images again in the future or if a face to face appointment is required.
Why is mole mapping important?
Melanoma is a serious skin cancer and if detected early can be curable. Cancerous moles tend to change over time and therefore mole mapping helps in the early identification of skin cancer.
Do I still need to see the doctor?
Mole mapping acts as an aid to the doctor in the early detection of skin cancer. Your doctor will still need to review the images themselves and devise an action plan following your mole mapping appointment. They will write to you within 6 weeks of your mole mapping appointment to inform you of whether they then need to see you in person.
What happens on the day of my mole mapping appointment?
Our mole mapping appointments take place at St Peter’s Hospital. At your digital mole mapping appointment, your skin will need to be uncovered so that we can take photographs of as many of your moles as possible.
- To help with this, please wear underwear that leaves as much of your skin uncovered as possible.
- Please wear similar underwear for subsequent mole mapping sessions as areas covered by underwear will not be monitored by digital mole mapping.
- Please tie long hair back, do not wear any jewellery, do not wear any make-up and no fake tan.
- Please let us know if you have new tattoos. Please shave if you have moles in hairy areas as the hair will prevent us from obtaining accurate photos of your moles.
- You will be asked to get undressed and to stand in a series of poses so full body photos can be taken.
- Mole mapping cannot be carried out when you have a rash, prominent tan lines or have applied fake tan as these may make the images more difficult to interpret.
How frequent is mole mapping performed?
The frequency will be decided by your doctor and can range from 3 months to yearly. If there are no moles of concern, then the images may not need to be repeated.
