Malignant melanoma is a skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin or pigment for the skin, hair, and eyes. Only 20-30% of melanomas are found in existing moles, while 70-80% arise on apparently normal skin. Total Body Photography helps monitor a patient’s risk of developing melanoma. Early detection of melanoma is critical as it presents a cure rate of over 95%.

Total Body Mole Mapping can be offered to patients who want to undergo comprehensive screening for abnormal moles and melanoma. It is especially recommended for patients with the following risk factors for melanoma/ skin cancers:

– Light skin types reacting sensitively to sunlight

– Large number of moles (more than 50 moles or more than five atypical moles)

– Large congenital (present from birth) moles

– Getting sunburnt as a child or adolescent

– Family history of skin cancer

– Previous diagnosis of skin cancer or atypical moles

– Regular exposure to strong sunlight

– History of sunbed use

– Weak immune system due to an organ transplant, cancer, chemotherapy or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection

During a standard appointment, we’ll take 16 to 20 photographs of different areas of your body. You can undress to a level you feel comfortable with. If your dermatologist recommends it, we may also photograph your breasts and/or buttocks. Following the whole-body photography, we’ll take high-definition video dermoscopy images of any moles your consultant identifies as needing closer examination. Before your appointment, you’ll be asked to sign a consent form. The examination usually takes around 45 minutes. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present.

– Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you can easily remove

– Choose plain coloured underwear without a pattern, gentlemen should wear shorts that do not cover their upper thighs, and swim briefs are preferred (as on the chart below)

– You may bring in your own slippers and gown for your comfort

– Avoid wearing makeup and nail polish, we will ask you to remove jewelry

– Avoid self-tanning products 10 days before the appointment

– Keep your hair tied and away from your face

– Shave areas with significant body hair so that moles can be visualised

– Do not schedule your session if you have a rash or a recent sunburn

Your photographs are stored on the local secure server – part of the FotoFinder^® Master System; they are not stored in any off-site location (i.e. “the cloud”). Total body photographs are not shared or viewed by anyone except Dr Kukula. In some situations, Dr Kukula may wish to consult other experts/ dermatologists with anonymised images or use the built-in FotoFinder Artificial Intelligence mole grading system.

Total Body Mole Mapping may be covered by certain insurance providers, subject to individual patient approval. Prior authorisation is necessary. Our Mole Mapping Clinic provides this service for £290 per session. Should a consultation with Dr Kukula be needed, it will be charged separately. Payment for the Total Body Mole Mapping is required on the day of your appointment.

Your doctor may recommend a Total Body Mole Mapping session. You’re also welcome to arrange a consultation with Dr Kukula to discuss whether mole mapping is right for you. Dr Kukula will guide you on when to schedule repeat digital mole mapping, usually within 12 months. We kindly ask that you book follow-up appointments at least two weeks ahead. You can book your mole mapping examination directly, without a referral from your GP. Please call 07797 777860 or email us at info@molemapping.je to book.