Whole body 3D mole mapping: the future of skin health?

Why should you get your moles mapped? 

Melanoma is the type of skin cancer that often develops from a mole. On average, there are around 48 new cases of melanoma every day in the UK. As scary as this might sound, the 10-year survival rate is almost 9 in 10 people¹.  

The most important factor for this high survival rate is early detection. If you have moles, knowing what they look like and noticing any changes can help specialists detect signs of cancer early, remove the mole, and stop the spread. 

Who should get their moles mapped?  

Anyone can benefit from mole mapping, but it's particularly useful if you have any of the following:  

• A history of cancro della pelle in your family. 

• A large number of moles or skin spots. 

• A history of excessive sun exposure.  

• Fair skin - which increases your chances of skin cancer. 

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These days, advancing technology is making mole mapping even more precise, according to Dr Aveen Connolly, a consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic.  

"Mole mapping using 3D whole body imaging technology involves capturing high-resolution, multi-angle digital images of the entire skin surface to create a comprehensive 3D avatar of the person," she explains.  

"This 3D mapping precisely records the location and magnified images of individual moles and other skin lesions. Advanced software combines these images and uses algorithms to detect and label moles, measuring their size, shape and colour.  

"The whole body scan establishes a baseline, which subsequent scans are compared to. This allows dermatologists to monitor for changes in existing moles and identify any new suspicious or abnormal moles or lesions. They can then analyse these changes to detect early signs of skin cancer including melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.”  

If a suspicious mole is found, your dermatologist will discuss the next steps with you. They may advice that the mole be removed and sent for analysis to determine if it is harmless (benign) or cancerous.  

The more moles you have, the harder it is to perform accurate self-checks.  

Ultimately, it's the specialists that have the know-how to determine if a mole is showing signs of cancer. What technology can do is automate the process that captures, logs and organises all the moles on your body. This can help make sure that no mole, spot or legion is missed, and assists in their examination - in terms of detail, size, shape, and colour.  

• Full-scope - if you have many moles, 3D imaging helps track them all. 

• Non-invasive - the process doesn't cause any discomfort or damage. 

• Speed - captures the entire skin surface within seconds. 

• Detailed analysis - every image can be examined using a microscopic light. 

• Less human error - for missing moles and for tracking changes with AI. 

"Overall, 3D mole mapping offers high precision and can facilitate early cancer detection and accurate monitoring of skin health, without discomfort" says Dr Connolly. 

The whole body 3D imaging is safe: there is no radiation exposure with a mole mapping machine. However, if you're deciding whether this type of mole mapping is right for you, there are some considerations and limitations. Dr Connolly explains: 

"It can be costly, is not widely available, and the image quality and software accuracy may vary, depending on where you go. 

"It's also worth noting that mole mapping machines mainly focus on coloured (pigmented) moles, meaning they may be less reliable at detecting colourless (amelanotic) melanomas. They also don't detect deeper issues, or allow for easy monitoring of the genitals, scalp or farthest points on the arms or legs. How effective they are may also differ across different skin types."

Having a mole checked and photographed is something you may be offered for free on the NHS, if you are referred to a dermatologist for a suspicious or abnormal mole. In this case, it will usually just be the mole in question that is photographed and tracked - not your other moles. However, some NHS dermatology departments- depending on your risks - will digitally map all your moles if you have a lot of them to look for new changes. This will not be using 3D technology.

When it comes to the high-tech mole mapping services, price is a big factor and potential barrier for many people. Mole mapping machines are available in some private clinics in the UK.

The cost will depend on where you go. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around £200 for private mole mapping. For 3D whole body mapping, this is around £500.   

The first thing to remember is checking your moles at home, and going to the doctors if you suspect a change, is considered an effective way of preventing skin cancer. But mole mapping - and the use of high-tech - can offer extra peace of mind, especially if you find it hard to keep track and have moles spread across your body.  

It's all about weighing up your own situation and options; for example, any worries over a family history of skin cancer, the comfort of being thoroughly assessed, whether you can afford professional mole mapping, and so on.  

Whether or not you choose to have your moles mapped, you should check your moles regularly at home - ideally once a month. Most important of all, protect yourself against the biggest cause of skin cancer; ultraviolet (UV) damage from the sun. Find shade, cover up, and wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. There's no such thing as a healthy natural tan. If it's the bronzed look you're after, reach for that fake tanning spray instead.  

1. Cancer Research UK: Melanoma skin cancer.