Mole mapping is an advanced medical imaging technique used to monitor your skin’s health with clinical precision. At our clinic, we use the most advances scanning device for skin imaging.

Unlike traditional methods that rely on manual, handheld photography, the device uses integrated AI to automatically map your entire body, identifying every lesion and capturing ultra-magnified (20x) images. By creating this high-resolution digital baseline and comparing scans annually, we can detect microscopic changes over time. This allows for the earliest possible diagnosis of skin cancer, leading to significantly better treatment outcomes.

While anyone can benefit from a baseline skin scan, mole mapping is highly recommended for individuals who:

• Have a high mole count: Possess a large number of moles across the body.

• Have atypical lesions: Feature moles larger than 4mm in diameter.

• Have a specific history: A personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.

• Have "Sun-Sensitive" skin: Fair skin that burns easily or a history of childhood sun exposure/living in high-UV climates.

• Value peace of mind: Seek professional reassurance regarding specific lesions.

Frequency: High-risk individuals are typically advised to undergo a scan annually, or more frequently if directed by their dermatologist.

Yes. At this time, our mole mapping services are exclusively available to individuals aged 18 and over.

Mole mapping is generally not recommended for individuals with very dark skin of African heritage for two primary reasons:

• Different Risk Profiles: Statistically, individuals with dark skin have a significantly lower risk of developing melanoma. Furthermore, they typically have very few moles, making a full-body automated "map" less clinically useful.

Technological Limitations: Current AI and imaging technology are optimised for lighter skin tones. In darker skin, skin cancer is very rare, but when it appears it is found in body areas such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or under the nails.

For these reasons, a face-to-face clinical examination with a dermatologist is the safer and more effective choice. A specialist can perform a manual check of these specific areas, providing much better diagnostic accuracy for your skin type than an automated scan.

Our advanced imaging system provides a superior level of security compared to traditional skin checks. Key benefits include:

• Unrivaled Early Detection: Identifies melanoma and other skin cancers at their most treatable stage.

• Precision Monitoring: Detects microscopic changes in moles that are invisible to the naked eye.

• Fewer Unnecessary Biopsies: High-resolution 20x magnification allows for more accurate diagnoses, reducing the need for invasive procedures on benign lesions.

• Your Digital Skin Blueprint: Creates a permanent, comprehensive digital record to track your skin’s evolution over time.

Patient Comfort: The process is entirely non-invasive, painless, radiation-free, and completed quickly.

Preparing for your scan is simple, but following these guidelines ensures the machine captures the clearest possible images for our AI analysis:

• Clothing: You will be asked to undress to your underwear. We recommend wearing simple, comfortable undergarments. For men avoid large boxer shorts which can cover the thighs. 

• Bras: We advise women to remove their bras during the scan, as the fabric will obscure the skin and affect the scanner’s ability to accurately map your lesions. However you have the option to keep your bra on should you feel more comfortable. 

• Skin Products: Please avoid wearing heavy makeup, tinted moisturisers as these can mask the natural appearance of your skin.

• Fake Tan: Do not apply fake tan prior to your appointment. It can alter the appearance of lesions and interfere with the AI’s accuracy.

A typical scanning session is efficient and thorough, usually lasting between 10-15. This includes the time needed for the automated full-body scan and the high-magnification AI capture of individual lesions. You should allow approximately 30 minutes for your total appointment to include time for registering and changing.

Your scan will be remotely reviewed by Dr. Bataille, a leading expert with over 30 years of experience in dermatology and pioneer in teledermatology for both the NHS and private sectors.

Delivery: Your comprehensive report will be available via the secure Carebit Patient Portal within a few days of your scan.

Notification: You will receive an automated email as soon as your report is ready for viewing.

Image Portal: You will receive a link for access to your body map  and close up pictures of skin taken by the machine, which you can share with other practitioners.

Once Dr. Bataille has reviewed your scan, your report will clearly outline the recommended next steps. If a lesion requires further attention, the plan typically involves three pathways:

1. Nothing of concern: You will be reassured and invited for another scan in 12 months.

2. Short-Term Monitoring: For specific "borderline" lesions, Dr. Bataille may recommend a follow-up scan in 3 months. This targeted approach uses the AI to monitor one or two specific areas for microscopic, "active" changes. If the AI detects evolution during this window, we can act immediately; if the lesion remains stable, it provides peace of mind without the need for an invasive biopsy.

3. Specialist Referral: If a lesion is identified as suspicious, we will provide clear guidance on your next steps. You will have two primary pathways for a definitive clinical assessment, please ensure you bring your report and images from your SkinTell scan. 

• NHS Pathway: We will advise you to contact your GP to initiate a fast-track (2-week wait) referral.

• Private Pathway: You may choose to book a private consultation with a consultant dermatologist for review.