Mole Screening and Mapping in west midlands
Skin cancer monitoring and surveillance
If you have a large number of moles, a personal history of melanoma, or a family history of skin cancer, you may benefit from regular skin cancer monitoring. This typically involves appointments every 3, 6, or 12 months for a comprehensive skin check, tailored to your individual risk.
Dr Aaron Wernham is a Consultant Dermatologist with a particular interest in melanoma and skin cancer diagnosis, management, and surveillance. He can advise you on whether ongoing monitoring is appropriate for you and how often.
During your appointment, you can opt for a full skin check using dermoscopy, which provides high-magnification views of individual lesions. Interpreting these images requires specialist training to identify features that may indicate early change. Where helpful, high-resolution photography can also be taken to track any changes in your moles over time.
Mole mapping can be carried out as part of your initial consultation at no extra charge, using a series of images to support ongoing skin cancer surveillance.
Dr Wernham offers skin cancer monitoring in Sutton Coldfield, Stafford & Stourbridge
When should I be concerned about a mole?
ABCDE assessment
The following ABCDE assessment can assist you in evaluating your moles and determining if you need to be reviewed by a specialist for skin cancer monitoring or melanoma treatment, including mole mapping.
Asymmetry
Imagine dividing your mole into two; one side should mirror the other. If there is a noticeable difference, this could indicate a concerning change.
Border
Border
Examine the border of your moles; it should typically be smooth all the way around. A jagged or moth-eaten border could indicate a need for melanoma treatment. For effective skin cancer monitoring, consider mole mapping to keep track of changes in your moles.
Colour
Diameter / Size
Border
Moles are typically a uniform color. If you notice more than one color, especially with any asymmetry, it’s advisable to seek a review from a specialist. Regular mole mapping can be an essential part of skin cancer monitoring.
Diameter / Size
Diameter / Size
Diameter / Size
While moles can vary in size, small moles are generally less concerning. However, moles measuring less than 6mm should be reviewed, especially if their size has changed over time, as part of a proactive strategy for skin cancer monitoring. Regular mole mapping can help in tracking these changes.
Evolution
Diameter / Size
Diameter / Size
Has your mole changed over time? Such a change might be a sign that you should undergo skin cancer monitoring or mole mapping. It’s important to consult a specialist.
How is melanoma treated?
If your mole has any concerning features, you may be advised to have it removed for analysis under the microscope.
If this confirms melanoma, you will usually be advised to have a further procedure called a "wide local excision" around the original scar. This adds a safety margin to ensure the melanoma is fully removed and reduces the risk of it returning in future. The size of this margin depends on how deep the melanoma is, known as the Breslow thickness.
You may also be advised to have a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), where a dye is injected at the original scar site. This allows the nearest draining lymph gland to be identified and removed during the same procedure. The gland is then examined under the microscope for any early signs that the melanoma has spread. If spread is found, further treatment such as immunotherapy may be offered.
Following this second procedure, you will begin regular follow-up appointments to monitor for any recurrence. At these visits, your specialist will check your lymph glands to make sure they are not swollen, which can be a sign the cancer has spread.
The typical follow-up schedule is every 3 months for the first 3 years, then every 6 months for a further 2 years.
You will also be shown how to check your own lymph glands between appointments.
