Is a MoleSafe procedure right for me?
If you answer yes to any of the following questions then a MoleSafe procedure is right for you:
• Concerned about a mole or lesion (e.g. it’s changing size, shape, itching or bleeding)
• Have a personal history of melanoma or other skin cancers
• Have a family history of melanoma
• Have many moles
• Have funny looking moles (called atypical moles)
• Are fair skinned and have light colored eyes
• Suffered from sunburn during childhood or adolescence (at least one blistering sunburn)
• Frequent outdoor activities
• Have a history of UVA sunbed/solarium use
If you are still unsure then please phone 1 877 MOLESAFE (665 3723) and one of our friendly customer support representatives will help you or Click here to schedule an appointment.
What's the difference between MoleSafe and other skin cancer screening programs?
MoleSafe is the world’s most advanced melanoma screening program. What sets us apart from the others is that we combine advanced technology with the skills of a panel of expert international dermatologists/dermoscopists to diagnose melanoma at the earliest possible stage.
The technology includes a complete complete electronic medical record of your skin comprising total body photography, total digital dermoscopy and digital molemapping for serial monitoring – all these diagnostic tools have been clinically proven to help specialists detect melanoma at the earliest possible stage.
MoleSafe also utilizes the skills of high trained dermatologists/dermoscopists to assess every MoleSafe patient. Our dermatologists/dermoscopists have undergone a minimum of 13 years training and have achieved expertise in dermoscopy.
At MoleSafe we are also very thorough – all lesions are captured and stored in an electronic medical record so that on future visits we can compare how your moles have changed/evolved over time. If there is one universal truth about melanoma it is change. The ability to track moles over time enables our dermatologists/dermoscopists to pick up subtle changes that may indicate melanoma - melanomas that would potentially be overlooked during a routine naked eye evaluation with no historical reference point.
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival a MoleSafe professional will greet you. A comprehensive history will be taken and digital images will be obtained of most of your moles and in particular any moles which you or your physician are concerned about. This will entail removing any clothing covering your moles.
Notes:
Examination of moles on the scalp is difficult and requires the shaving of surrounding hair for a clear image. Please inform us if there are any moles on your scalp of concern.
A MoleSafe consultation does not routinely include a genital examination, however if there is a lesion of concern in this area please inform us at the time of your examination. It is possible that you will be directed to undertake a clinical examination by a dermatologist if a lesion cannot be imaged clearly.
Who performs the procedure?
Routine MoleSafe consultations are performed by professionals with a nursing background. These professionals have undertaken an extensive training program in skin cancer. Your images are then encrypted and sent via a secure network to one of our international panel of expert dermatologists/dermoscopists for assessment.
How long does it take?
The full MoleSafe procedure is very thorough and the initial consultation usually takes 60 minutes. Occasionally a second appointment is required where there are a large number of moles to image.
Is it safe? Does it hurt?
The MoleSafe procedure is non-invasive and does not hurt. The procedure is also safe for pregnant women.
How will I learn of my results?
A copy of the findings will be sent to your physician if chosen. You will also receive a copy of this report within 10 working days outlining the results, making recommendations on when you should next be assessed and general advice about sun protection and early detection.
What will happen if something suspicious shows up?
Your physician will decide on the appropriate course of action based on our dermatologist/dermoscopist recommendations and organize the treatment as necessary. It is important that you contact your doctor immediately to schedule an appointment if you require treatment.
How often should I have a MoleSafe procedure?
This depends on your level of risk assessed at your first MoleSafe visit. The doctor reviewing your images will recommend in the report when you should have your next consultation. The majority of patients are recommended to have annual MoleSafe examinations. It is this surveillance that allows us us to identify melanoma at the earliest possible stage. It is important that in between MoleSafe appointments that you continue to self monitor your skin on a monthly basis.
What will happen to my MoleSafe records if I move out of the area?
The images will continue to be stored in our central database and can be accessed from other MoleSafe clinics as required. This means you can continue to be active in monitoring your moles by going to your nearest MoleSafe clinic.
Is it 100% accurate?
By combining tools that are proven to help detect early melanoma (Total Body Photography, total digital dermoscopy and digital sequential monitoring) with the skills of our expert dermatologists/ dermoscopists MoleSafe is doing everything possible to detect melanoma, however, no method of assessment can provide a 100% guarantee of the detection of melanoma.
How much does it cost?
The cost varies depending on what procedure you have. Please call us on 1 877 MOLESAFE (1 877 665 3723) and one of our customer service representatives will talk you through the options. They can also explain what insurance options may be avaialable to you.
Does MoleSafe do mole removals?
No, MoleSafe is a melanoma screening program and therefore does not excise lesions. Should removal be necessary you will be directed back to your physician
MoleSafe's role is to accurately diagnose skin cancer and therefore aims to minimize any unnecessary excisions of benign lesions.
What happens at a follow-up appointment?
The follow-up procedure is similar to the initial consultation although it generally does not require additional body shot images (Total Body Photography) – only clinical and dermoscopic images of your moles. The greatest benefit about the follow-up appointment is we can now overlay the latest images of your lesions with those captured during your previous visit allowing us to see and identify the most subtle changes. Having a history of your skin enables our dermatologists/dermoscopists to monitor changes over time (changes that may not have been picked up by a naked eye examination) and this helps identify melanoma at an even earlier stage plus helps avoid the unnecessary removal of benign/stable lesions. The unique follow-up consultation provides you with the assurance that we are doing everything possible to identify this potentially deadly form of cancer.
How do I book an appointment?
Booking an appointment is easy. Either phone 1 877 MOLESAFE (665 3723) and discuss your options with one of our friendly customer support staff or simply click here to book online now.
What should I wear to the appointment?
Brief underwear is best for the MoleSafe procedure. You will be provided with a gown for a more comfortable experience.
How long does the final patient report take?
Our policy is that all reports are received by the patient within 10 working days. The majority of reports are received well within this timeframe. All diagnoses requiring urgent attention are prioritized and returned to the patient ASAP.
Who do I see when the report says I need to have something done?
In most instances you would see your physician (when you visit MoleSafe you are asked to provide your physicians contact details so that they can also receive a copy of your report). In some instances it may require specialist attention – in this situation it would pay to ask your physician for advice.
Are you open Saturdays or any late nights?
Yes, most MoleSafe facilities are open on Saturdays, Sundays and most evenings. Please call 1 877 MOLESAFE (665 3723) to find out the operating hours of your nearest clinic.
Click here to schedule an appointment.
