Mole Screening

Mole Screening - Map My Mole

Worried about a mole? Maybe you've noticed a change or would just like peace of mind?⁠ We're proud to be introducing a mole screening service in our Cockermouth clinic.⁠

How are the images taken? 

We will take images of your mole or skin lesion using a specialist, medical grade camera called a “dermoscope”. It uses light and magnification to help a dermatologist see how your skin looks in more detail than you would be able to see with a naked eye or normal camera. The detailed images will make it easier to spot abnormalities that may require further investigation or diagnostic tests. 

What will you do with the images? 

Once we’ve taken images of your mole, we will send them to Map My Mole for review. Map My Mole is a third party service provider we use to obtain an indicative opinion from a consultant dermatologist regarding your mole or skin lesion. The consultant will review the images and prepare a report for us so we can advise you on next steps.

What information will you share with Map My Mole? 

We need to send some of your personal information, including your name, contact details and some medical information (including the images we take of your mole) to Map My Mole when we submit the images for review. You can find Map My Mole’s privacy policy on their website at www.mapmymole.com, or we can email you a link to it.

When will I get the results? 

Images are usually reviewed within 48 hours after we submit them for review, but it may take longer than that. We can request that a copy of the report will be sent to you as soon as it’s ready, otherwise it will be sent to [clinic name], and we will contact you to discuss the report with you once we have received it.

Will Map My Mole be able to diagnose cancer from the images? 

No. It’s important that you understand that it is not possible to diagnose any cancer from images, and a formal diagnosis requires a biopsy (sample removed under anaesthetic) and histological assessment. However, the consultant’s report can help us identify a suspicious mole that might need further investigation such as a biopsy. 

If you’re concerned about your mole or skin lesion, you should speak to your GP or another medical professional as soon as possible so that they can carry out further tests if needed.