SERVICES
MOLE ASSESSMENT
While roughly 1 in five people will develop a form of skin cancer in their lives, early detection makes treatment highly effective. With that being said, once someone has had skin cancer, the chances of developing another cancerous lesion are higher. Checking your skin for suspicious lesions and spots is vital to ensure early detection and prompt treatment. As a dermatologist, Dr Temi provides mole assessments for this very reason. By checking moles for changes in symmetry, colour, elevation, size and cancerous border spots as well as other skin lesions can be monitored and removed.
WHO SHOULD HAVE A MOLE CHECK?
Mole assessments and skin cancer screening appointments are recommended for anyone who has had a skin tumour, anyone who is over 40 years old or those who have had extensive sun exposure. Those with a history of skin cancer in the family are advised to have regular mole assessments and dermatological check-ups. If you notice any changes to a specific mole or have a suspicious lesion, it is essential to have a mole assessment. Freckles, spots or moles that bleed, ooze, itch, appear scaly or become tender or painful warrant an urgent appointment.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A MOLE ASSESSMENT
Dr Temi Awotedu Inc offers the most advanced screening methods for early detection of skin cancer. When making an appointment with Dr Temi, you can expect a comprehensive assessment of your skin. Each and every part of your body will be examined, including your scalp, between your toes and behind your ears. Your dermatologist will then do skin mapping, which is considered the gold standard of monitoring for abnormal moles and melanoma. Skin or mole mapping is done by taking macro-and microphotographs of your skin. These photographs are kept on record so that when you come for your next visit, she can track if a particular mole has changed in even the slightest way. It is also done so that she can identify new moles based on the previous mapping.
It is advised that you do a self-exam before your appointment to point out any spots or lesions that you are concerned about. If she finds any pre-cancerous moles or lesions that she feels may be problematic in the future, she may choose to remove them in a follow-up appointment.