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By Dr Brian McGirr
We all know that sun exposure is the major risk factor for skin cancers. The most common skin cancers we see are basal cell, squamous cell and malignant melanoma. These types have different presentations and different prognoses.
Of the three, malignant melanoma is the most devastating if the diagnosis is missed. To date diagnosis has relied on patients presenting with moles which have started to behave in a way which has made them noticeable; for example they may change in colour or they may start to become irritating or indeed bleed spontaneously. If this type of mole is ignored or the diagnosis missed then malignant melanoma can have dire consequences.
I’m delighted to report that the development of the SIAscopy™ tool, developed at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in conjunction with Cambridge University, has led to the arrival of MoleMate™. This comprises a handheld scanner with clever software that images the lesions on the skin and can differentiate haemoglobin, melanin, dermal melanin and collagen. It incorporates the function of being able to accurately photograph and measure for long term follow-up, and so very rapidly highlights suspicious features.
In the studies carried out so far the MoleMate and SIAscopy technology has been shown to be 94-100% sensitive and 97% specific when it comes to diagnosing sinister pigmented lesions on the skin. These stats exceed the accuracy of a skilled dermatologist or plastic surgeon and also that of a tissue pathologist. We have invested in one of these scanners and are now able to offer mole screening clinics and long-term mole surveillance. All our clinical staff have been trained in its use and we intend running mole clinics on a fortnightly basis, although a mole consultation and scan can be arranged in any appointment provided that the reception staff are informed at the time. For more technical information the website www.astronclinica.com is very informative.
Finally, I was interested to see in the newspaper recently that the cosmetics industry has been banned from using the expression total sun-block. There is also an increase in pressure to withdraw sun protection factors (SPF) less than 15. We currently encourage our patients to consider using factor SPF 30 and above. We are also continuing to watch the trials on EPITAN, an implant that would give stimulation to the pigment cells which will result in a natural normal tan without sun exposure. Watch this space!
If you would like more information about our mole clinic and our fee structure please do not hesitate to contact reception.
