How to accurately and efficiently track your moles using the latest technology

OneWelbeck Skin Health & Allergy’s Vectra 360 mole-mapping machine (the first of its kind in the UK) means you won’t have to worry about missing a mole again. Consultant dermatologist, Dr Katie Lacy from the London-based health centre, explains how the machine uses digital, 3D imaging to track your skin development.

Katie talks us through the benefits of the equipment and why it’s the best option for anyone concerned about their moles due to sun exposure, or has a personal or family history of skin cancer.

1. Using a combination method approach for early detection

The mole-mapping machine is renowned throughout leading dermatology cancer units globally. It photographs the patient’s skin from a 360-degree angle, mapping out each mole or lesion on the skin, ensuring nothing goes under the radar.

High-quality images are taken of the skin and the images are then used to create a digital avatar, which highlights each individual mole or lesion on the skin. Clinicians will also perform an in-depth assessment of particular moles of concern using a dermatoscope (a magnifying glass that increases the size of the mole 10 times more than the naked eye), which can identify additional structures in the mole and potentially highlight the need for further investigation.

OneWelbeck's mole-mapping machine uses 3D imaging to create an avatar which shows each mole across the body, detecting any that require further assessment by a clinician. (Image: OneWelbeck)

This combination of a machine-led approach followed by a clinical, manual mole check provides a more comprehensive and detailed approach. This improves the likelihood of detecting early signs of skin cancer and offers a higher chance of treating it.

OneWelbeck Skin Health & Allergy do not require a GP referral for patients, so if a mole removal is required, the turnaround times to authorise and perform the procedure are far quicker.

2. It’s far faster than any other machine

The patient has a much quicker, more convenient experience with the mole-mapping machine than with previous technologies. They simply undress, using underwear provided, and stand in a single position between two arches for around 30 seconds, whilst the machine captures the 360-degree images. The patient is required to wait for around 10 minutes afterwards, while the images download.

The images provided by the mole-mapping service allow patients to check their moles and detect any change between their annual appointments. (Image: OneWelbeck)

Previous machines were much more time-consuming and required the patient to stand in various positions for 20 to 30 minutes. With the new mole-mapping machine, the process is hassle-free, more discrete and allows the individual to be in and out of the clinic in a very short period of time.

3. Change and developments of moles are easily tracked

One Welbeck Skin Health & Allergy’s mole-mapping machine is able to accurately track the evolution of the patient’s skin more easily and efficiently over time by aligning the camera with the body using certain reference points.

We recommend patients come in annually for the images to be retaken, so the machine can signal any developments. A clinician can then zoom in on the avatar to further inspect individual moles that may be a cause for concern, and analyse any changes between appointments. This offers the best chance of detection and early diagnosis for the patient to resolve any issues as soon as possible.

OneWelbeck use a combination examination of clinical assessment and a mole-mapping machine to provide the best chance of detection. (Image: OneWelbeck)

4. Patients can take home images to check themselves

All patients are provided with copies of the images so they have access to them between appointments. This allows them to track any developments themselves rather than relying solely on their annual check-ups, providing a level of comfort and reassurance as they can contrast and compare whenever they like.

Many cases of skin cancer have been picked up by the individual before seeking medical advice, and so we actively encourage all patients to be mindful in regularly checking their bodies.

These images are also digitally portable, so patients can take them to another dermatologist’s office for reference if they move away, or are not close by but would like a check-up.

5. There is no harmful radiation or side-effects

Whilst similar to a CT scan or X-ray procedure, the mole-mapping machine is purely a collection of cameras. This means no radiation is involved and the procedure is entirely safe, no matter how many check-ups a patient may have.

To find out more information on booking a mole-mapping appointment, visit onewelbeck.com. For enquiries, contact 020 3653 2007 or bookings.skinhealthallergy@onewelbeck.com.