How to prepare for and what to expect from mole mapping service … Protect your skin and health At drs skincare Hamilton, ON

Treatment
Full Body Mole Mapping
Indications

Proactive skin health
Concerns re skin cancer
Many moles
Changing moles

Treatment Recovery
none
# Of Treatments Required
Every 6 to 12 months
Best Results Seen
*estimate of sessions to be determined in consultation


At drs skincare, we want to keep your skin healthy and looking radiant! One of the ways our team in Hamilton, Ontario, accomplishes this is with proactive services that protect the skin from damage. We prioritize this approach over reactive services that must play “catch-up” after the damage has already occurred to treat the underlying source or cause of the skin concern. Mole mapping fits in well with our range of preventative-minded services. Our Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rahul Shukla, has invested in the advanced FotoFinder® technology to support this process of proactively detecting skin cancers.

What is FotoFinder®? – Zooming in on FotoFinder®

This system is characterized as a blend of “dermoscopy” and “total body mapping. “Dermoscopy refers to using a device to examine the skin’s surface. It is associated with regular, professional skin checks at dermatologists’ offices. The device or dermatoscope helps better see suspicious or anomalous areas during these checks, which complements the regular skin evaluation at home.

As the name suggests, total body mapping involves the collection and analysis of images of the different parts of the body. That way, most or all the skin is captured consistently and reproducibly.

As an innovative form of “Total Body Dermoscopy, “FotoFinder® skin imaging or full-body photography can typically be completed within 30 minutes. Furthermore, due to unique image processing and camera system capabilities, our specialists collect and evaluate images that are of spectacular quality. This feature aids in our ability to make an accurate diagnosis, informing the most prompt and effective treatment or interventions.

The process is painless and non-invasive. Any images collected are securely stored and displayed. Images may be reviewed in a way that allows for accurate and efficient comparison of moles to the appearance of other lesions captured simultaneously. The position of each lesion can be quickly identified and marked for further examination as needed. Such capabilities promote ongoing monitoring and tracking of potential skin changes that may require intervention.

In general, FotoFinder®-assisted “mole mapping” is:

  • Gentle
  • Non-invasive
  • Safe
  • Empowers the patient with clear, shareable information
  • Precise
  • Allows for accurate diagnoses and treatment
  • Encrypted; data is protected

What preparation is involved?

Preparation is minimal and generally supports our team’s ability to properly “see” any anomalies in your skin. We generally advise that you do not wear makeup to your appointment. This includes foundation, lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and nail polish. To ensure the most accurate examination findings, do not wear socks or sandals that are black in colour. These clothing options can leave behind stains or lint on the skin, which may be mistaken for moles or lesions. Body hair can make it difficult for us to see all of the moles. So, it is advised to shave. Also, leave the perfume, jewelry, and heavy undergarments at home. Instead, opt for scrunchies or other bands to tie back your hair and lightweight garments (bra/underwear) to support our ability to see the skin and diagnose accurately. If you use sunless tanners, refrain from applying for six weeks prior to your appointment. Here again, the discolouration can interfere with our ability to pinpoint spots that warrant further investigation.

What should I expect from the process?

Mole mapping is a strategy to proactively identify concerning moles as early as possible. Although the human eye and clinical examination by a dermatologist are excellent for identifying changes, mole mapping utilizes specialized computer technology to recognize concerning changes that the human eye cannot detect and serves to further improve mole mapping and, ultimately, save lives.

Utilizing the most current version of the FotoFinder® system, a computer securely captures moles on different parts of the body. After determining an appropriate follow-up interval, pictures are again captured by the FotoFinder® system in conjunction with our clinical team, and changes in moles are identified. If these changes are deemed concerning, biopsies and excision will soon follow.

Our goal is to identify concerning changes in your skin as soon as possible, allowing you to address concerns as quickly as possible and hopefully before any long-term consequences arise.

Although—at present—there is no perfect system to proactively identify concerning skin changes, we believe photoprotection with sunscreen, topical vitamin C application, and avoiding excessive sun exposure, in combination with skin checks with both a dermatologist and FotoFinder®, can further enhance one’s ability to improve skin health proactively.

Currently, mole mapping with FotoFinder® is not covered by the government and OHIP.

Why is mole mapping so important?

Not unlike other cancers, skin cancer is often highly treatable when caught in its early stages. Patients with lots of moles (think 50 or more) are at greater risk of developing melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer. Furthermore, melanomas are often mistaken for benign moles or other harmful spots, such as freckles. Our expertise in mapping or evaluating moles and other spots, as well as our use of advanced diagnostic tools such as FotoFinder®, allows us to visualize potential areas of concern clearly.

Early detection furthermore supports prompt treatment, and it is not an overstatement to say such services and technologies can save lives. If you are due for a professional screening, call our Hamilton, ON office at (905) 524-1712 today.

 

Dr. Rahul Shukla

Why Choose
Dr. Rahul Shukla

Dr. Rahul Shukla is a modern dermatologist staying in line with the advancements in the field by being a member in numerous associations. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Brock University, and later attended medical school at McMaster University, and completed dermatology residency at University of Toronto. He is Board-certified in dermatology, in both Canada and in the United States.

Connect with Dr. Rahul Shukla on Linkedin Meet Dr. Rahul Shukla