Mole Mapping & Check
Concerned about a new mole or noticing changes in one you've had for years? You’re not alone. Many people struggle to tell when a mole needs medical attention - but it’s important to keep an eye on them.
At Athena Dermatology Clinic in Dubai, we offer comprehensive mole mapping and mole-checking services to help detect skin cancer, especially melanoma, at its earliest stages. Using advanced digital imaging and dermatoscopy- we perform full-body mole mapping to track changes in your moles over time, identifying any changes in size, shape, or colour that could indicate a risk of skin cancer. For those at higher risk, like individuals with fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer, these checks are a proactive way to stay on top of your skin health.
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Mole mapping is a non-invasive and comprehensive assessment of all moles on the body. During this procedure, a dermatologist uses a dermatoscope (a powerful magnifying device) to examine the skin from head to toe. High-definition photos of your moles are taken and documented, allowing any new moles or changes to be tracked over time. The process typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on the number of moles present. At Athena Dermatology Clinic in Dubai, we use advanced mole mapping technology to assess the risk of melanoma or other skin cancers. Should any suspicious moles be identified, they may require further examination, biopsy, or removal.
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Avoid sun exposure before your appointment. Excessive tanning or sunburns can make it harder for your dermatologist to assess your moles accurately. - Refrain from using lotions or oils on the day of your appointment. Clean skin ensures clear images and better visibility of moles. - If you’ve noticed any recent changes in your moles, note them down and inform your dermatologist.
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Review the Results
Your dermatologist will review the mole mapping results with you, highlighting any areas of concern or changes to monitor. Ensure you fully understand the findings and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Monitor Your Moles at Home
Keep an eye on any moles flagged for observation during the session. Perform regular self-checks every few months by following the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving). It helps to take pictures of your moles to compare them over time.
Follow Up with Your Dermatologist
If your dermatologist recommends further checks, such as a biopsy, make sure to schedule that appointment promptly. If any moles need to be removed or further examined, follow up as soon as possible.
Protect Your Skin from the SunExcessive sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer and lead to changes in your moles
Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day
Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors
Avoid tanning beds and direct sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours
FAQ on assessment and treatment of moles
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Mole mapping is for everyone, especially people at a higher risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is very common, and melanoma—a dangerous type—can spread quickly if not caught early. Mole mapping helps track moles over time so that any changes can be spotted. Detecting melanoma early means it can be removed before it spreads.
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You are more at risk of melanoma if you:
Have fair skin (which burns easily in the sun)
Have had a lot of sun exposure or sunburns
Have used tanning beds
Have a family history of skin cancer
Other risk factors include certain medical conditions (like chronic lymphocytic leukemia) or if you've had an organ transplant and take medicines that suppress your immune system. If your job or hobbies keep you outdoors in the sun, regular skin mole mapping in Dubai are essential for the early detection of potentially cancerous moles, ensuring timely intervention and treatment.
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Yes, at Athena Dermatology in Dubai, our board-certified dermatologists specialise in early skin cancer detection and treatment. We have extensive experience in identifying early signs of skin cancer through mole mapping. Our team also focuses on aesthetics, ensuring that any mole removal is done with cosmetic results in mind.
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The best way to remove a mole depends on its size and location. Surgical excision (cutting it out) is often used for deeper or more concerning moles, while radio frequency ablation (using heat from radio waves) can be a good option for small, non-cancerous moles. If a mole looks abnormal, it will be tested (biopsied) to check for cancer, and you may be referred to a plastic surgeon for precise removal to ensure a neat appearance.
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Regular mole checking in Dubai is vital for maintaining your skin health, especially for those at risk. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, you may need a mole mapping session every 6 to 12 months. Otherwise, it’s recommended to do self-checks at home every 3 to 6 months and visit your dermatologist if you notice any suspicious changes.
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You should see a dermatologist if you notice any of the following:
A mole that is asymmetrical (one half looks different from the other)
A mole with irregular borders
A mole that changes colour, especially if it has multiple shades
A mole that is larger than 6mm in diameter or grows in size
A mole that changes over time, such as becoming raised, inflamed, or painful
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If your dermatologist spots a suspicious mole, they will take a biopsy – a small sample of tissue from the mole – to check for signs of cancer. If the mole is cancerous or has the potential to become cancerous, it will be removed completely.
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Melanomas are often identified by using the ABCDE rule:
Asymmetry: If one half of the mole looks different from the other
Border: If the edges of the mole are uneven or jagged
Colour: Moles with more than one colour (e.g., shades of brown, black, red, or blue)
Diameter: If the mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
Evolving: If the mole changes in size, shape, or colour over time
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to make an appointment with a dermatologist right away for a professional check.
Protect Your Skin with Mole Mapping in Dubai
Expert Skin Cancer Detection at Athena Dermatology Clinic Ensure your peace of mind with our thorough mole mapping services. Our team uses the latest digital dermatoscopy technology to identify changes in your moles and recommend timely treatments. Book your appointment by calling 042505081 or contacting us through our online form.
