The staff are really friendly. Had laser liposuction on thighs- amazing results and Sculptra also very pleased with results. Totally recommend the Whiteley Clinic. The staff always make you very welome, nothing is too much trouble.
H. W. from Cranleigh
Mole Screening
What is a Mole ?
A skin mole is a spot on the skin usually round or oval in shape. It can be small or large in size and is referred in medical terms as a nevus. A skin mole can be flat or raised. Some moles will sprout hairs which is normal. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. They commonly occur on cheeks, chest, shoulders and back but are uncommon on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. They can be a range of colours but are usually shades of brown and black.
What causes a mole?
Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread out throughout the skin. These cells are called melanocytes and are responsible for our skin colour. Moles occur naturally. Some people are born with them while other moles can just appear throughout life. Moles can be increased by excess sun exposure, genetics also have a contributing factor to moles.
Are moles dangerous?
Normal moles are not at all dangerous. However, they can change into malignant melanomas which are very dangerous. Moles you should be aware of are those that look different to existing moles. The changes you should be aware of are colour, height, size, shape, if they bleed, ooze, itch or appear scaly or tender to the touch.
Mole Screening
Mole mapping / screening is the most advanced method for early diagnosis of skin cancer. With a medical camera your clinician takes microscopic photos of your moles. The mole is analysed and images are measured and stored to refer back to. Two methods of scanning can be used. Total body mapping is for people who have a large amount of moles to be monitored. 16 images are taken and any large or suspicious moles are marked and you will be asked to return back 3-6 months later for a follow up appointment. Another 16 images are taken and are digitally compared to the original images to see if any changes have occurred. This is an excellent way of keeping a regular check on your moles to identify any changes or increase in numbers to your moles.
If you are only concerned about a mole, individual mole screening can be performed. Two images are taken - an overall image of the mole and their microscopic images. These images are then processed through our mole analysis system on the computer. The computer analysis takes into consideration the size and colour and will then determine any irregularities and a result is given immediately as to whether the mole is safe. This is only a guideline as the overall decision is that of the clinician, as to whether it should be removed or just monitored. If the mole needs to be excised the clinic has a consultant on site and the removal of the mole and histology (analysis) can be carried out usually within 48 hours.
What does the treatment involve?
The clinician will go through your medical history and evaluate which mole screening procedure is most suitable for you. It is advised that dark underwear is worn for the photos. If Total body Mapping is recommended you will be asked to stand in several different poses while we take 16 pictures of your body. Any large moles or moles of concern will be marked and noted in your records. You will be asked to return 3-6 months later to have the 16 images taken again. These images will then be compared to the previous images on the system. Any changes will be indicated and a decision will made to remove the mole if required.
For one or two moles, the individual mole analysis is usually recommended. The clinician will take an over view image of the mole and then a second microscopic image will be taken. Ultrasound gel is applied for the second photo as this shows just below the surface of the skin and gel is used to ensure a good contact. The images are then assessed through the mole analysis system. The computer analysis takes into consideration the size and colour and will then determine any irregularities and a result is given immediately as to whether the mole is safe.
If you would like to know more about Mole Screening at Absolute Aesthetics, contact us on info@absoluteaesthetics.co.uk or Tel: 01483 477 189.
