What do freckles, beauty marks, and “strawberry marks ”all have in common?
They are all moles that are in need of some mapping!
Whether you have a few beauty spots here and there or are covered from head to toe, skincare physicians recommend mole mapping as an ongoing preventative treatment for patients who are either at risk of developing melanoma or are wanting extra security in knowing that their moles aren’t changing in size, shape or darkness (which can all be concerns for early development of melanoma).
Since melanoma is a type of skin cancer, just like any cancer it can be fatal, and lead to surgical skin removal. This means that mole mapping is a great way to ensure that you are melanoma free!
Although this may be a scary topic for you, it’s important that you understand the risk factors associated with melanoma, and take the appropriate precautions today, to save your skin in the future. Mole mapping– does just that. It allows your skin care physician to identify changes as they happen, before they become a bigger issue in the future. With Dr Shehla Ebrahim by your side, and her recommended annual mole mapping sessions (offered in Vancouver), you can have peace of mind in knowing that any signs of melanoma will be identified right away!
Below we will highlight why mole mapping is important for you (and your loved ones):
1. Melanoma cases have been increasing over time
The first reason why you should consider annual mole mapping sessions with your skin care physician is because melanoma has been increasingly present, especially amongst north-American Caucasians (or the fair-skinned population). In fact, melanoma is one of the most common cancers for both women and men, being rated as the fifth most common for men, and the sixth most common for women. This has resulted in 1/63 individuals developing melanoma throughout their lifetime.
Though these statistics differ in different parts of the world, depending on differences in skin complexion and pigmentation, sun exposure & sun protection protocols, as well as differences in UV patterns, it is still a fairly common condition that can be prevented with appropriate diagnosis, protection protocols, and treatment.
2. Self examinations are not always accurate
With the increase in melanoma cases worldwide, some health care professionals and individuals have taken into their own hands to self examine their moles with the use of mole mapping diagrams. Now although this can be helpful for some, there is so much more that skin care physicians look for when observing your skin– and it’s always best to seek a professional opinion.
Not only that, but seeing as the most common area for men to get melanoma is on their back, and for women is on their arms, it’s not always easy to self examine all angles, or to rely on a friend/family member to remember any patterns your moles may be going through.
Dermatologists and skincare physicians are professionals in this area and use a wider variety of tactics to identify early signs of melanoma such as:
- The ABCD method (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variegation, Diameter >6 mm)
- Glasgow 7-point checklist
- Looking for any “ugly ducklings”, which implies differing pigmentation from the rest
- Identifying:
- Irregular dots/globules
- Irregular streaks
- Regression structure
- Blue-whitish veil
- Vascular pattern
Above all, skincare physicians have the tools and protocols to examine your moles through photographic and microscopic technologies that you just don’t have at home!
3. Melanoma is a multifactorial disease
When it comes to melanoma and its cause, it can come down to a multitude of reasons such as:
- Environmental risks : like exposure to sunlight and UV light, as well as the frequency of UV rays where you live
- The number of melanocytic nevi (moles): play a huge role in your likelihood of developing melanoma during your lifetime, as 25% of melanoma cases occur to already existing nevus (or moles) on the skin. Therefore, the more nevus that is present on your skin, increases your risk of developing melanoma
- Family history : plays a role as studies have shown that melanoma can be inherited, and that people with family cancer syndromes are at a higher risk of getting melanoma
- Genetic predisposition : is also relevant while considering a patient’s ability to develop melanoma, as those patients typically develop melanoma at a younger age.
4. Takeaways
With the increase in cases of melanoma worldwide, it has become increasingly important to protect your skin from environmental factors and to stay on top of mole mapping with your dermatologist or skin care physician, as early detection of melanoma is a major factor in lowering cases of mortality.
If you are looking for mole mapping in Vancouver, BC, we urge you to book your appointment with award winning Dr Shehla Ebrahim HERE, so that she can help detect early causes of concern, and recommend a skin protection routine to ensure that your moles stay healthy!
To book your mole mapping appointment, and protect your health CLICK HERE