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Mole mapping

  • 01-01-2009 11:49pm
    #1
    taram
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,226 ✭✭✭


    Is there a way to be referred to a mole mapping clinic? Or are there private ones operating? Or can dermatologists check? I've got all the risk factors for getting skin cancer, and have had two moles biopsed for melanoma and have a small growth on one shaved? (Think that's the term :) ) but my GP thinks I can "just keep an eye on it" and don't need to be checked out. I have a lot of moles on my back/back of legs/scalp that I can't realiably check.


Comments

  • #2
    Fionnanc
    Closed Accounts Posts: 162 ✭✭Fionnanc


    Mole mapping involves taking a good quality photograph of the mole(s) involved and comparing it to a photograph taken later looking.
    From a brief perusal of the literature it seems to be a good technique that encourages regular self-examination but the sample sizes are small. There seems to be no documented literature that confirms this mole-mapping technique results in earlier cancer diagnosis.
    Googling mole-mapping will give you the websites for several private institutions in Ireland. Their advertising blurbs seem to be designed to create worry though.
    GPs usually are very good at assessing skin lesions/moles as they are common.
    If a GP is suspicious about a mole the GP will either excise it and send the specimen for laboratory analysis or refer you to a hospital for a surgical NCHD to do the same.( local anaethetic)


  • #3
    galwayfotogrfr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 33 ✭galwayfotogrfr


    taram wrote: »
    Is there a way to be referred to a mole mapping clinic? Or are there private ones operating? Or can dermatologists check? I've got all the risk factors for getting skin cancer, and have had two moles biopsed for melanoma and have a small growth on one shaved? (Think that's the term :) ) but my GP thinks I can "just keep an eye on it" and don't need to be checked out. I have a lot of moles on my back/back of legs/scalp that I can't realiably check.

    The University hospital is offering a mole mapping service in cork I am led to believe. Your GP can refer you to a specialist who works in conjunction with the mole mapping service at the hospital. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2008/1014/1223921125357.html


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