In recent years, there has been a significant increase in cases of skin cancer, both globally and nationally. Raising awareness among the Greek population about prevention and early diagnosis of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers is of primary importance, especially since we live in a country with intense sunlight exposure.
Promoting skin health is a top priority for Dermatologist–Dermatologic Surgeon Sotiris Theocharis, as well as for the entire medical and paramedical team at Skin and Hair Medical Care. Our primary goal is to educate our patients and help them understand the value of preventive mole screening and mole mapping.
Full-body mole mapping is an examination that plays a vital role in the prevention of melanoma and other skin malignancies.
It is an important diagnostic dermatological procedure during which digital imaging of existing moles across the entire body is performed.
The dermatology clinic Skin and Hair Medical Care is equipped with comprehensive technical infrastructure, including two FotoFinder systems.
Full-body mole mapping is performed using FotoFinder, a high-quality, specialized system used to accurately track moles throughout the body.
High-resolution digital images are recorded, allowing our dermatologist to monitor the evolution of moles accurately and detect any changes and irregularities.
Specifically, we use the advanced automated system for total body mapping, FotoFinder ATBM II (Automated Total Body Mapping), which allows for comprehensive documentation and detailed analysis of the skin and moles. It saves time and produces high-quality images that assist in identifying new lesions or clinical changes in pre-existing ones. The FotoFinder system is considered the global standard for safe and early detection of skin cancer. The ATBM® (Automated Total Body Mapping) procedure aids in the diagnosis of melanoma through the "two-step digital follow-up method." The high-resolution Medicam® 1000 camera, along with the FotoFinder software, enables dermoscopic examination of moles at high magnification, comparison of clinical and dermoscopic images with previous sessions, and detection of new lesions or changes. The results—mole mapping images—are stored and can be compared during future follow-up visits, providing valuable information about any changes in existing moles. During a full-body mapping session, the patient stands on a rotating platform while the FotoFinder device captures images from all angles.
Digital mole mapping is considered essential for individuals with multiple-dysplastic moles, a personal or family medical history of melanoma, a weakened immune system, a history of sunburn, but is not limited to these populations.
- Prevention: The examination enables the early detection of changes in mole appearance, helping to prevent skin cancer.
- Accurate Monitoring: Full-body coverage allows for precise tracking of all moles, even in hard-to-reach areas.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the mapping results, we tailor the treatment for each patient, achieving optimal outcomes.
The key factor in managing melanoma—and skin cancers in general—is early diagnosis. In its early stages, melanoma can be successfully treated with simple surgical excision. In contrast, delayed diagnosis may require more extensive therapeutic interventions and systemic treatments, and in advanced cases, it may lead to tumor metastasis to lymph nodes and solid organs (such as the lungs, liver, and brain). The dermatologist’s specialized knowledge is essential in determining when a suspicious mole needs to be removed and sent for biopsy. Additionally, as part of individual prevention, it is important for each person to observe their body for new moles or other skin changes and to perform regular self-examinations, while also not neglecting routine check-ups with their dermatologist. The treating dermatologist is responsible for determining the appropriate intervals for monitoring, as these may vary depending on individual risk factors (e.g., personal or family history of melanoma, fair skin phototype, etc.).
Usually, it is not necessary. The reason is that moles in children undergo constant changes due to body growth, and such changes are generally not considered clinically significant.
We only choose to monitor specific categories of moles, such as large congenital nevi—i.e., large birthmarks present from birth.
In any case, your treating dermatologist will advise you on whether this examination is appropriate.
During the full-body mapping examination, attending dermatologist Theoharis S. checks for any moles or to record any subungual damage to the fingers.
Mole mapping is safe during pregnancy, but always discuss it with your dermatologist before the examination so that he or she can explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have.