Mole Mapping & Monitoring

Service Description

WHAT IT IS Mole mapping and monitoring at Dr Selvi Clinic in Brighton is a doctor-led service for people whose moles need watching over time. Dr Selvi examines your skin, records images of selected moles with a dermatoscope, and compares them at review visits so that any change can be spotted and acted on promptly. Change over time — the "evolving" in the ABCDE guide — is one of the most important warning signs in a mole. Monitoring makes that change measurable rather than relying on memory, by comparing like with like at each visit. As with any dermatoscopy-based check, it is a clinical assessment, not a definitive diagnosis; the only definitive answer for a suspicious lesion is histology after removal. If a mole is changing, growing, bleeding or itching now, see your GP — do not wait for a monitoring appointment. Your GP can refer you on the NHS urgent suspected cancer pathway. WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE IT A one-off check tells you how your moles look today. People with many moles, unusual moles or a family history often want a structured record instead, so that a new or changing mole stands out against a documented baseline, and reviews happen at a set interval rather than when they remember. WHAT WE AIM FOR A clear baseline record of the moles that matter, a review interval that fits your level of risk, and prompt action — including urgent referral — if a mole changes in a concerning way. WHO IT SUITS · Many moles, particularly more than about fifty, or several atypical ones · A personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancer · Fair skin that burns easily, red or blond hair, or freckling · Past sunbed use or severe sunburn, especially in childhood · Immunosuppression, including after an organ transplant · Outdoor workers and people who spend long hours on the water · Moles on the back or scalp that are hard to check yourself TREATMENT DETAILS First visit: History, skin examination and baseline images of selected moles Equipment: Handheld dermatoscope with magnification and polarised light Needles: None — a non-invasive examination Review: Interval set by Dr Selvi according to your risk, often three to six months for moles worth watching Outcome: A clear written outcome at each visit Recovery: Not needed; this is an examination, not a treatment Related: Dermatoscopy Examination for a single lesion; high-frequency skin ultrasound (booked separately) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How is this different from a dermatoscopy examination? A dermatoscopy examination answers a question about one lesion on one day. Mole mapping and monitoring records a baseline and compares images over repeat visits, which is more useful when there are many moles to keep an eye on. How often will I need reviews? It depends on your skin, history and what the first examination shows. Dr Selvi sets the interval with you, and brings a review forward if anything looks borderline. Can monitoring miss anything? No method is infallible. New moles can appear between visits and not every skin cancer is a mole, so monthly self-checks still matter — ideally with someone else checking your back and scalp. How should I check my skin between visits? Use the ABCDE guide: Asymmetry, irregular Border, more than one Colour, Diameter over about 6mm, and Evolving. Also look for a mole that does not match the others, a sore that has not healed in four weeks, and any new pigmented streak under a nail. Will you remove moles? Pigmented lesions are not removed for cosmetic reasons alone. If a mole needs removal or further assessment, Dr Selvi explains the options, including referral, and anything removed is sent for histology. Are there any risks, and who is it not for? The examination is non-invasive. Monitoring is not the right route for a lesion that is changing quickly, bleeding or not healing — that needs your GP and the urgent pathway, not a scheduled review. How can I lower my risk? Use daily SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, reapply in strong sun, seek shade in the middle of the day, wear protective clothing and avoid sunbeds entirely. Who will treat me? All treatments at Dr Selvi Clinic are carried out by Dr Selvi, a doctor, after a face-to-face consultation and an assessment of your suitability. BOOKING Book online, or start with a free initial consultation if you are unsure whether monitoring or a single-lesion check suits you. Dr Selvi Clinic is at 57B London Road, Brighton and Hove BN1 4JE, open 10:00–20:00, seven days a week; appointment times can vary. Fees are listed on our pricing page, and your plan and final fee are confirmed at consultation.