Mole Mapping: Importance, Procedure, and Skin Cancer Prevention

Moles are often benign skin growths that don't pose a threat to your health. They just give you a different look and some even call them “beauty marks.” But in some cases, the cells of a mole can become cancerous and require immediate removal by a doctor. If you're concerned about a skin mole or another skin issue, make time for regular checkup visits with Dr. Marc Meulener at Choice Dermatology in Basking Ridge, Parlin, and Union, NJ.

What Is Mole Mapping and Why Is It Important?

Moles are small bumps on the skin that are usually dark in color. They form due to an overproduction of pigmented cells called melanocytes. Some people are born with moles, sometimes called birthmarks, while others notice that they appear on the skin over time. Mole mapping is a technique that your dermatologist uses to determine if a mole is changing in size and shape using photographs of the skin. If it is rapidly changing, that could be an indication of a more serious issue like skin cancer.

The Mole Mapping Process

When you visit our Basking Ridge, Parlin and Union, NJ, dermatologist for mole mapping, you will relax in a chair under a light so that the mole is completely visible. The doctor will take multiple pictures of the mole to keep on file. You will schedule another appointment several weeks or months into the future for more pictures, which your doctor will compare to the previous set. This will allow your dermatologist to make an accurate diagnosis.

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

Skin cancer lesions can sometimes be mistaken for harmless moles. Follow these tips to prevent and identify a potential skin disease:

• Know the ABCDE rule (is the mole asymmetrical, does it have irregular borders, are there multiple colors, is it more than a quarter inch in diameter and it is evolving) when evaluating your mole.
• Monitor your mole each day and note if there are any changes.
• Limit contact with the sun and always wear sunscreen.
• Contact your dermatologist for a skin checkup at least once or twice per year, or whenever you have concerns about a mole.

Have Your Mole Checked by a Dermatologist

Your dermatologist can make a definitive diagnosis of a mole that may be skin cancer with a visual check and biopsy. Call (908) 766-7546, (732) 820-9602 or (908) 355-0112 today to schedule a visit with Dr. Marc Meulener at Choice Dermatology in Basking Ridge, Parlin and Union, NJ for a mole exam.