Melanoma is increasing. Mole Mapping can detect it for early prevention.
Melanoma is most commonly a skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin or pigment for the skin, hair and eyes. Melanocytes also form moles, and while most moles do not become melanoma they are also the most common place for melanoma to form.
The good news is that with early detection melanoma has a cure rate of over 95%. That is why an advanced imaging technique called mole mapping can help your doctor detect new moles and compare changes in existing moles. Dr. Else Christoffersen uses FotoFinder®, a highly accurate computerized mole mapping system that uses high resolution photography and state of the art software to create an image database of all of your moles. Mole mapping ensures that no changes in existing moles or newly developed moles miss evaluation.
According to the Melanoma Research Foundation, every eight minutes someone in the U.S. will be diagnosed with melanoma, and it’s not exclusive to the older population. In every hour of every day, someone will die from this dangerous skin cancer. Scheduling a mole mapping appointment today can ensure that Dr. Christoffersen has accurate photo documentation for tracking the moles on your body for the early treatment and successful elimination of melanoma if it is detected.
What is FotoFinder?
FotoFinder is a computerized mole mapping system that your physician uses to create an accurate set of photos of your moles. The high resolution camera is connected to a computer and transfers all photos directly the doctor's database, giving your doctor the ability to compare your moles with photos from your initial visit and immediately identify new moles or changes to existing moles on your body. An added benefit of FotoFinder® is that your doctor can provide a copy of your photos for self-examination at home. All patients, whether first time or returning, can feel safe that any changes or new moles will not be missed.
Who should get mole mapping done?
If any of the following questions apply to you, have your moles checked by your physician:
-Do you have multiple moles (more than 50)?
-Is there a history of skin cancer in your family?
-Did you have already a melanoma?
-Do you have large moles (more than 2 inches in diameter)?
-Have you noticed any changes in your moles?
-Have you noticed any new moles on your body?
-Did you have severe, blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence?
-Do you have very light skin?
How can suspicious moles be recognized?
Using the “ABCDE” rule can help you to recognize suspicious moles during self-evaluation. Moles which show one or more of the signs below should be treated with utmost attention and observed by your physician!
A for Asymmetry
B for irregular, Blurred or jagged Borders
C for Color variation
D for Diameter larger than ¼ inch
E for Evolving, any change - in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait
