What is the Mole Screening Clinic?
The Mole Screening Clinic, established under the roof of the American Hospital, is a specialized center for the detection, mapping, early diagnosis and intervention of moles. In our clinic; specialized dermatologists, experienced nursing staff and advanced technological infrastructure come together to provide patients with a safe and comfortable screening experience.
In our newly opened clinic, mole screening is structured as a separate unit. The Mole Screening Clinic offers detailed examination at the molecular level with both manual dermoscopy and world-class unique devices such as the VECTRA WB360 3D Imaging System.
What is a Mole? Why Does a Mole Form?
A nevus (mole) is a lesion of the skin or mucous membranes with clear borders caused by the proliferation of cells called melanocytes in the skin. Moles can appear on the skin surface in the form of macules (flat spots) or papules (raised bumps) in brown, black, red or skin color. Nevi are divided into three main subgroups according to their location and cell layers:
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Junctional nevus: Melanocytes are clustered in the basal layer of the epidermis, usually flat and pigmented.
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Compound nevus: There is a buildup of melanocytes in both the epidermis and dermis; it may have a raised structure.
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Intradermal (dermal) nevus: Melanocytes are located only in the dermis, are usually raised and paler in color.
Multiple factors play a role in the formation of moles. Genetic predisposition has been associated with a family history of nevi and gene mutations such as CDKN2A. UV exposure damages melanocyte DNA and promotes the formation of new moles. At the same time, hormonal fluctuations (childhood, puberty, pregnancy) increase melanocyte proliferation and may cause growth or pigmentation changes in existing moles. Congenital nevi develop during the embryonic period and are rarely seen at birth, whereas acquired nevi usually appear during childhood and adolescence.
What is a Mole Check-up (Mole Screening)?
Mole check-up (mole screening) is the process of examining existing moles in detail, digitally mapping them and detecting lesions that carry risk. In our clinic, all moles are evaluated with the computerized dermoscopy unit; then digital mapping is performed and the size, color and structural features of each mole are recorded. If necessary, biopsy or surgical intervention is planned for risky moles.
How is a Mole Check-up (Mole Screening) Performed?
The mole screening is performed with the following steps:
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Clinical examination: The dermatologist visually examines the general distribution and characteristics of moles.
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Dermoscopy: With high magnification examination, the structures inside the mole are detailed.
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Digital dermoscopic recording: Each mole is transferred to special software and processed into a body map.
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3D whole body imaging (optional): With devices such as the VECTRA WB360, all moles are recorded at once and in high resolution.
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Risk assessment: Moles with malignant potential are detected by software and dermatologist evaluation.
Why is It Important to Have a Mole Checked (Mole Screening)? Why is a Mole Check-up Performed?
Mole check-up plays a critical role in the early diagnosis of life-threatening diseases such as skin cancer, especially melanoma. The treatment of lesions detected at an early stage is less invasive and the treatment success is high.
The benefits of having a mole check-up are as follows:
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Early diagnosis of skin cancer: Digital dermoscopy and 3D body mapping methods detect subtle structural changes and asymmetries that cannot be detected with the naked eye in high resolution. Early diagnosis leads to treatment with less invasive methods and prolonged survival.
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Follow-up of risky moles: In patients of high risk group, regular follow-up with whole body mapping devices is useful for detecting new or changing lesions. In this way, dermatologists can identify growth, discoloration and structural deterioration in suspicious moles associated with cumulative UV damage or genetic predisposition without wasting time and intervene quickly.
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Reducing unnecessary biopsies: Advanced imaging systems offer high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing between benign nevus and lesions with malignant potential. Since moles that are not suspicious in screening do not require a biopsy, tissue samples are taken only in cases with real risk, thus increasing patient comfort and reducing the risk of scarring and infection.
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Aesthetic advantage: Risky moles that have been previously mapped and imaged can be removed with minimal tissue loss and smaller scars with surgical procedures. In the planned intervention, the most appropriate method is selected by taking into account the placement of the mole, its size and subcutaneous structure. This approach both reduces the size of the scar and accelerates the healing process.
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Psychological relief: Participating in a regular and professional screening program reassures patients who may feel uncertain and anxious about the condition of their moles. In addition, the transparency of the monitoring process and periodic feedback improves patients' adherence to treatment and quality of life.
What are the Methods and Devices Used in Mole Screening?
Both classical and advanced imaging methods are used in mole screening:
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Dermoscopy device: It provides a detailed examination of the surface and substructure of the mole.
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Computerized/digital dermoscopy: It allows the transfer of mole data to digital media and mapping and recording.
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3D whole body imaging (VECTRA WB360): It is a new generation imaging system that records the entire skin surface in high resolution at one time.
Mole Screening with Whole Body Mapping Method with VECTRA WB360 3D Imaging System
Canfield VECTRA WB360, which we use at Mole Diagnosis Clinic, is an artificial intelligence-supported 3D imaging system that simultaneously photographs the entire body surface in less than a second with its 92 cameras. This system is an important tool that enables your doctor to map and monitor skin lesions on your body. The system is not intended for definitive diagnosis or treatment, but for your physician to make possible diagnoses and monitor your skin lesions more easily.
When preparing for your appointment for the imaging procedure, you should take into account the following:
- Do not wear makeup.
- Wear short, plain-colored underwear (if possible, do not wear boxer shorts, prefer a brief or string without long hems).
- Gather your long hair in a bun and bring hairpins with you.
- Remove piercings, jewelry and hairpins containing metal, as they may affect the image quality.
- Remove nail polish, permanent nail polish or prosthetic nails before your appointment.
- Trim/shave long body hair if possible; this will make it easier to visualize the skin under the hair.
The following steps will be followed at your appointment:
- After the screening procedure has been explained to you, you will be asked to sign a consent form.
- You will be asked to remove outerwear, jewelry and glasses.
- The technician will position you correctly in front of the cameras and take images.
- You will see bright flash light a few times while the images are being taken. Please inform your doctor if you are sensitive.
- Once the images have been checked, a 3D map will be created.
- If you have an appointment for same-day evaluation of images, you may have to wait about 15 minutes for them to be processed.
- Your specialist may ask for re-photographs of areas that are not optimally visualized, such as the soles of the feet, scalp, body curves, under the breasts, etc.
The images obtained will become part of your medical records and will be recorded in order to follow up the lesions over time. This system provides follow-up and analysis of moles suspicious for skin cancer or melanoma by evaluating irregular color, irregular borders, asymmetry, size and mole-specific structures.
Repeat photography is essential for early detection of new or changing lesions. For most people, once a year is appropriate, but the interval will be determined by your dermatologist based on the patient's characteristics, medical condition and the risk of skin lesions.
You may contact our Department of Dermatology to schedule an appointment at
American Hospital-Mole Screening Clinic and to receive further information:
444 3 777
Extension: 1560 - 1561 - 1562 - 1563