Mole Equipment & Techniques

At Skinsite we use world class equipment and techniques for mole diagnosis and removal, including Polarised Dermoscopy, Total Body Photography (TBP), Sequential Digital Dermoscopic Imaging (SDDI) and Cosmetic Mole Removal.

Dermoscopy

We use polarised dermoscopes at Skinsite. This is important on two levels. Firstly, information from blood vessel architecture can be lost during the mole mapping if the older technology of contact dermoscopy is used. This is also another reason why it is essential to have a skin cancer specialist with skills and training in dermoscopy examine you in real time.

Secondly, it has recently been observed that there are white lines, or ‘chrysalis structures’ which represent new collagen networks upon which melanoma can spread. These are only visible under polarised dermoscopy and will be missed if the older non-polarised dermoscopes are used.

Total Body Photography(TBP)

TBP is like a passport photo of your body, whereby all current moles are documented and securely stored. It is believed that up to 70% of melanoma will arise from new moles so by having a baseline, new or changing moles can be more easily detected. TBP is widely used in the follow-up of high risk patients, particularly those with large numbers of melanocytic naevi or dysplastic naevi.

Sequential Digital Dermoscopic Imaging (SDDI)

SDDI is where, if a mole is lacking both clinical and dermoscopic features to definitively diagnose melanoma, the mole is digitally captured using dermoscopy, stored, and compared at a later date. This allows detection of any subtle changes which may be indicative of melanoma. Typically the interval is 3 months in the setting of short-term digital monitoring, or 12 months if used over a longer term, as in surveillance.

Cosmetic Mole Removal

In addition to surgery for melanoma and non-melanoma using conventional surgical methods, we have the Surgitron™ Radiofrequency surgery available. This technique vaporises tissue and is more precise than surgical techniques which use lower frequencies. This allows sealing of vessels and nerves as the instrument tips are passed through the skin lesions, helping to keep bleeding and pain to a minimum. The advantage being better cosmetic results and less chance for scarring from surgery. See also Cosmetic Mole Removal under Cosmetic.