What is Map My Mole?
Map My Mole is a digital mole assessment service that helps review moles and other skin lesions for signs of potential concern — especially changes that might suggest cancer or pre-cancerous conditions. The images you or your clinician take are reviewed by consultant dermatologists (specialist skin doctors), not by an automated app alone.
This service does not treat or remove moles — it provides expert assessment and advice on what steps might come next.
Why would someone want a Map My Mole assessment?
- Peace of mind: If you’ve noticed a new, changing, itchy, painful, or irregular mole, an expert review can be reassuring.
- Early detection: Identifying suspicious lesions early can lead to quicker medical referral and treatment, which improves outcomes.
- Avoid long waits: It offers a quicker review compared with some NHS or GP dermatology referral wait times.
How does the process work?
- Capture images – In-clinic, a practitioner takes high-resolution photos of your mole(s) using a dermatoscope (a magnifying device for skin imaging).
- Upload for review – The images are securely sent to a UK-based consultant dermatologist who specialises in skin conditions.
- Dermatologist assessment – A specialist reviews the images and provides a written report with findings and recommendations, typically within 24–48 hours.
- Report and next steps – You receive the report, which you can share with your GP or a dermatologist if further investigation or treatment is needed.
What happens after the review?
- Benign (non-worrisome) result: You usually don’t need treatment right now, but regular skin checks are still encouraged.
- Suspicious result: You’ll be advised to see your GP or a dermatologist urgently for further examination or biopsy.
No treatment is performed as part of the Map My Mole assessment itself — it’s a screening and advisory service.
Who might benefit from Map My Mole?
This assessment may be appropriate if you:
- Have a mole that has changed in size, shape, colour, or texture
- Notice a new mole or lesion
- Are concerned about a mole that is itchy, sore, or bleeding
- Want reassurance about your skin health
- Have many moles and would like professional monitoring
Regular self-examination of your skin (e.g., using the “ABCDE” rules for moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter >6mm, Evolution/change) is also recommended, but this service provides expert review beyond what you can see with the naked eye.
What to expect during the appointment
- A non-invasive, painless session where photos are taken of the mole(s) of concern.
- No injections or surgical procedures are involved.
- Your practitioner will explain the photography process and what to expect with your report.
Possible benefits and limitations
Benefits
- Rapid expert review by a consultant dermatologist, often within 24–48 hours.
- Helps guide whether further clinical evaluation is needed.
- Can provide peace of mind if lesions are benign.
Limitations
- It is a screening tool, not a definitive diagnosis — suspicious findings still require in-person clinical follow-up.
- Some very early or subtle skin cancers might not be fully assessed by imaging alone.
- Not a replacement for a full body skin exam by a dermatologist if you are high-risk.
Aftercare and follow-up
- Follow any recommendations in your report carefully.
- If a lesion is flagged as suspicious, contact your GP or dermatologist promptly.
- Continue regular self-skin checks and seek clinical review for new or changing lesions.
Important notes
- Map My Mole is primarily a skin assessment and monitoring service, not a treatment service.
- Always seek medical advice for urgent concerns, including rapidly changing lesions, bleeding, or ulcerated skin.
This service complements — but does not replace — standard clinical skin checks where necessary.