MoleMap is a company that uses mole mapping as a way to detect
melanoma at an early stage. Patients
first meet with a Melanographer, a nurse trained in skin cancer and dermoscopic
imaging, for a one hour consultation. At
this time, the moles are “mapped” out using imaging technology to create a map
of where the moles are located on a person’s body. By utilizing skin surface
microscopy, any suspicious mole or lesion found is digitally imaged. Recordings are taken down about any changes,
itchiness, tenderness or concern for a particular mole or lesion image. MoleMap also
offers getting a MoleSnap. MoleSnap is the same as a mole mapping, only it
lasts 15 minutes and only focuses on 3 moles that the patient is concerned
about.
After a mole map is done, the images and descriptions are
sent to international specialist dermatologists. These images are archived on a
remote database for storage to be used later for mole comparisons. The
dermatologists prepare one report for the patient and one for the doctor. The report
identifies if there are any moles or lesions of concern, along with management
of the moles or any recommendations, such as just keeping a watchful eye on the
mole or going forth with surgery.
MoleMap also uses Total Body Photography (TBP), Digital
Dermoscopy, and Digital Serial Monitoring as methods for detecting melanoma.
TBP creates a complete record of your skin and is used for managing at-risk
patients with a high number of moles. This method helps identify new moles and
subtle changes in existing moles that may have gone unnoticed. Digital
Dermoscopy combines high magnification and light intensity to illuminate what
is underneath a persons’ skin; things you cannot see with the naked eye.
Dermoscopy allows for more accuracy in diagnosing melanoma and reduces the need
for unnecessary biopsies. Digital Serial Monitoring allows for tracking moles
over a period of time. This process is useful for identifying moles that look normal and would
otherwise be missed by a routine clinical observation.
Pricing is as follows:
·
New Patients: 60 minute consultation
appointment: $300
·
Follow up patients (with low mole count): $220
·
Follow up patients (with moderate mole count):
$260
·
Follow up patients (with high mole count): $285
·
Children (under 12): 30 minute consultation
appointment: $130
·
MoleSnap: 15 minute consultation appointment:
$130
What do you think? Is this a gimmick or worth the price? Most dermatologists familiar with moles will ask the right questions and remove any moles that may cause problems. Just wondering the benefit. I guess if you're young and in the sun a lot, it might be good to track development.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't put my money toward mole mapping. Yes, they can track it over long periods of time, but wouldn't it be the same as going to the dermatologist twice a year? I would rather try the MelaFind for $100 than map out my moles for $300. For someone like me, who regularly keeps an eye of for suspicious moles, I don't think that mole mapping would be to my benefit. It could be good for someone who maybe has an overabundance of moles and has a difficult time keeping track of all of them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you - it is certainly over priced in comparison to other treatments out there. Some people though may be more comfortable with this type of treatment than others.