Mole Mapping Dermatologist2020-05-13T12:48:41+00:00

Feel in charge of your skin

PERSONALISED DERMATOLOGY TREATMENT PLANS

Mole mapping benefits

IN THESE VIDEOS, I EXPLAIN HOW MOLE MAPPING WORKS

In the videos above, I explain moles and melanoma in a simple way – and when you should consider having mole mapping. Of course, no video or website can replace the value of a personalised consultation. At your consultation, I can carefully examine your skin and give you an expert recommendation to help you resolve your skin condition.

Treatment helps people of all ages take control of their skin condition and get their life back.

Mole mapping is a method of screening and monitoring your moles

BASED ON CHANGES DETECTED WITH MOLE MAPPING, I CAN DETERMINE WHETHER I NEED TO REMOVE A SPECIFIC MOLE TO CHECK FOR SKIN CANCER

What is the purpose of mole mapping?

Mole mapping is intended to pick out any changing new or longstanding pigmented lesions to detect a skin cancer known as melanoma at the earliest possible stage.

Who benefits most from mole mapping?

If you have a large number of moles, atypical moles, a prior or family history of melanoma, or have fair skin with repeated episodes of sunburn and sun damage, I recommend monitoring your moles with mole mapping.

How does mole mapping work?

At its simplest level, mole mapping consists of a record of the site and appearance of your moles. Nowadays, the most reliable way of doing this is through a set of photographs that accurately depict all the moles present on your body.

What do we do with mole mapping photographs?

We can use these images as a baseline with which to compare your moles in subsequent consultations, to detect early suspicious changes. You can also use this set of pictures to examine your skin on a regular basis. Should you detect any changes, you should seek further dermatology review. In some cases, especially where there are moles of concern, I undertake high-resolution dermoscopic imaging and make arrangements with you for further review in three months.

What should you be looking for in terms of mole changes?

When examining your skin and moles, you should look for four things: asymmetry, changes in the border, colour, and/or diameter. Read more about what to look for below. If you’re concerned, see me for a consultation.

What my patients love about my service

MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou for her assessment on my continued taking of roaccutane.

She was completely right, I didn’t need a new course, I needed to move away from the drug. The creams she gave me and Cetaphil recommendation have meant my skin has been the best it’s ever been (ongoing and since I saw her) ALL SUMMER :))))) I’ve had zero problems…and I’m loving it.

Thank you once again.


Phillip, Acne

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

Following the consultation today I feel it appropriate to say thank you for your help in dealing with my rosacea.

On each occasion, I have visited your department I have noticed the kindness and cheeriness of all the staff I have encountered and particularly wanted to say that you made me feel at ease with your calmness and excellent manner.

All is much appreciated.”


Anne, Rosacea

“Thank you very much!!

You three were (and are) a great team!

I will remember you.

You made me feel comfortable.”


Ellie

“Tania,

Please pass to Dr Pratsou my thanks for her skilled work.

The wound is healing beautifully and now the stitches are out it looks as though it will be almost invisible once fully healed.”


Graham, Skin cancer removal

“Dear Dr Penelope, Rena & the team, (I can’t remember the nurse’s name who helped me during my 2 procedures at the Spire!)

I wanted to thank you for your support and help during a very difficult time. You guys do a wonderful job – and we are eternally grateful for your help.”


Clarissa, Skin cancer

“I would like to put on record how impressed I was with the operation you performed for the removal of the SCC on my neck. I cannot even see where the cut or the stitches were! I am indeed very grateful for the excellent work you do.”


Harry, Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

I am very grateful to you for your diagnosis, recommended treatment and advice. Your letter to my GP sets out both the course of events, and your own analysis of probable condition and possible cause, clearly summarising our discussion.

I hope there will be no recurrence but I will certainly come back to you if there is.”


Ryan, Skin rash

“Dear Tania,

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou. I saw her this morning for a mole check. She was so lovely and reassuring. Please also thank the two nurses who assisted her during the mole removal procedure. I was very nervous, but they were very efficient, which meant I did not have too long to think about it, but most of all they were very kind. They kept me distracted and calm, which made a huge difference. Thank you also for your efficiency in both booking me in so quickly.”


James, Mole removal
Dear Ms. Pratsou,

I am writing to thank you for the care you have given me in the past few months. From the moment I walked into your consulting room with a lesion on my cheek, a lesion that I fully expected to be some sort of skin cancer (and it was), you have been thorough, reassuring, respectful and in every way professional.

You recognised that I had some insight into the condition of my skin and the procedures required to treat me. You listened to me. You projected expertise and compassion.

During the procedure to remove the growth you ensured that the atmosphere in the treatment room remained not only calm, but actually pleasant. Had it not been that you were excising a growth and sewing me up, I almost felt as if you, me and the nurse were at some sort of women’s discussion group. The time flew by. I had zero anxieties about the procedure and as we both know now, the wound healed flawlessly.

Thank you for your expertise and your communication skills and all round good nature. I feel very lucky.


Karen Tatom, Skin cancer removal

We have replaced the images and names of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

The first step to feeling in charge of your skin is to book an initial consultation

FIND OUT HOW TO GET THE SKIN YOU WANT

How it works

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN IN 3 EASY STEPS

STEP 1 – CALL US
STEP 2 – LET’S MEET
STEP 3 – RESOLUTION
CONTACT MY STAFF

Give us a call on 01183735198 and we’ll help guide you towards a first appointment.

MEET WITH ME

I’ll see you and examine your skin before I recommend treatment. In some cases, I can begin treating your condition on the same day.

FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN

I’ll guide you down the road towards a resolution of your skin condition so that you can get back to normal life.

More information about mole mapping

FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE DETAILS

Mole mapping is a method of monitoring your moles.

It is intended to pick out any changing new or old pigmented lesions to detect a skin cancer known as melanoma at the earliest possible stage.

I can offer different levels of mole mapping.

Pigmented lesions known as melanocytic naevi or moles.

Mole mapping is suitable for all patients with moles who want to be in control of their skin and wish to detect any suspicious skin changes early.

  • I particularly recommend mole mapping to patients with:
  • A large number of moles (more than 50), particularly if some of these are atypical moles
  • Prior history of melanoma
  • A family history of melanoma
  • Fair skin with repeated episodes of sunburns and sun damage
  • Concerns about appearance and/or recent change in moles or freckles
Mole mapping is a simple, non-invasive process through which we can screen moles and detect early changes.

Based on these changes, a Dermatology specialist, like me, can then determine whether they then need to remove a specific mole based on these changes to look for the possibility of melanoma.

Mole mapping, at its simplest level, consists of a record of the site and appearance of your moles. Nowadays, the most reliable way of doing this is through a set of photographs that accurately depict all the moles present on your body. You could then use this set of pictures to examine your skin on a regular basis. Should you detect any changes, you should seek a further dermatology review.

In some cases, especially where there are moles of concern, I can undertake high-resolution dermoscopic imaging and make arrangements to with you for further review in three months.

Increasingly, there is more sophisticated digital mole mapping which can include whole body photography and dermoscopic images of multiple areas of concern. Annual follow up is then undertaken. That can be useful when conducted in conjunction with self-monitoring and specialist review but is best not undertaken on its own as it can lead to false reassurance between annual appointments.

How can I check my own moles?

I often advise that you get into good habits early. Whether you have a small or large amount of moles, it only takes 10 minutes to examine your whole skin on a monthly basis.

At a fundamental level, all you need is two mirrors, one in front of you and one at the back so that you can have a good look at all your moles and look for any changes in size, shape or colour and any new arising lesions.

It is often helpful to have a set of pictures depicting all your moles and where they are. This way, if you think that you have noticed a change in one of your moles, you can always check against your pictures.

Nowadays, with the use of smartphones, this process has become much more accessible.

If you do notice any changes in your moles, then please seek the advice of your GP or a Dermatologist.

What am I looking for in terms of mole change?

You are looking for any change in size, shape or colour. The easiest rule to follow is the A, B, C, D, E rule which stands for

A. Asymmetry – one half is not the same as the other
B. Border – the edges of the mole might look blurred or notched
C. Colour – two or three different shades or a change in colour
D. Diameter – a mole that it at least 6 millimetres in diameter or one that is enlarging
E. Expert – if you or your GP are concerned about a new or changing mole then please get your skin checked out by a Consultant Dermatologist.

Affiliations and memberships

I AM PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS

Questions and answers

RELEVANT AND INFORMATIVE VIDEOS AND ARTICLES

About the author

Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist

MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)

I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.

I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.

After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.

Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.

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