Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Melanoma, the most aggressive form of the disease, accounted for over 90,000 cases in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While visual screening for skin changes can help detect skin cancer early, mole mapping provides a systematic way to compare and discover active lesions. Dr. Clement Banda and our team at MD Vein & Skin Specialists in Columbia, Maryland, offer our patients the FotoFinder® computerized mole mapping system for advanced protection against developing or new incidents of skin cancer.
FotoFinder uses high-resolution digital imaging to create a computerized map of all surfaces of your body, creating a database of existing moles and spots. We then have a digital record of a point in time.
During follow-up appointments, we rescan, and the FotoFinder system compares current and stored mole maps, identifying changes to existing moles and the appearance of new lesions. Dr. Banda then investigates any changes found for potential cancer and treatment.
There’s no need to prepare before your mole mapping appointment, except perhaps for wearing clothes that are easy to remove. We photograph all skin surfaces for a complete record of all mole locations.
These photos are high-resolution, so we can detect even the most minor changes in mole appearance or size during subsequent scans. Your mole mapping data is stored confidentially and securely, following HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) standards for protecting patient records.
The FotoFinder system automates the comparison process and outputs a report on any changes or new moles. Dr. Banda reviews this report and uses the information to investigate the changes further.
FotoFinder only identifies changes in your skin condition. It doesn’t diagnose cancers based on these changes or suggest a treatment. Instead, it’s an ultra-sensitive early warning measure that outperforms the results you can get from self-checks and even cancer screenings from medical professionals without access to mole mapping technology.
Dr. Banda examines the changes reported by FotoFinder and decides if a skin biopsy is necessary. If so, Dr. Banda takes a small skin sample from the mole for lab testing, which can identify the type of skin cancer if it’s present.
Contact MD Vein & Skin Specialists to schedule a mole mapping appointment. You can reach us by phone or through the online booking tool on this page. Early detection is your best security against skin cancer in any form, so plan your visit today.
