What is the FotoFinder and what is it used for?
FotoFinder is a digital mole mapping system that takes high-resolution digital photographs and uses sophisticated software to monitor your moles. It compares a series of photographs to your baseline photos allowing for the early detection of new or changing moles.
Why is it important to monitor changes in moles?
Melanoma is a skin cancer that commonly develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin or pigment for the skin, hair and eyes. Melanocytes also form moles, and while most moles do not become melanoma they are also the most common place for melanoma to form. If a mole is changing it could be a sign of melanoma. Early detection of melanoma is very important as it has a cure rate of over 95% when found in its early stage. According to the Melanoma Research Foundation, every eight minutes someone in the U.S. will be diagnosed with melanoma. In the U.S. every hour someone dies of melanoma.
Am I a candidate for digital mole mapping?
If you meet any of the criteria listed below, you are at higher risk for melanoma and should consider digital mole mapping:
• Multiple moles on your body
• A history of melanoma in your family
• A previous melanoma diagnosis
• A previous diagnosis of dysplastic moles
• Large and/or oddly shaped moles
• Noticeably changing moles
• A history of severe, blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence
• A history of tanning bed use
• Very light skin/pale complexion
Who will be taking the photographs and who will examine them?
A female medical assistant will take your photographs, which will then be stored in a secure server. Your dermatologist will review your photographs, analyze any changes and discuss them with you during your full body skin exams.
What should I wear during the photography sessions?
To prepare for your appointment:
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to take off.
• Wear as little jewelry as possible. (Remove watches, bracelets, necklaces, chains, earrings and piercings, etc.)
• Please do not wear make-up, lipstick, eyeliner, nail polish.
• Do not use self-tanning products in the week prior.
• If you have long hair, please wear your hair up during the photography.
• For men with a significant amount of body hair in areas such as the chest, abdomen, back, arms or legs, we recommend this area to be trimmed or shaven so that the moles can be visualized.
During your appointment:
• Undress to your level of comfort.
• Gowns and drapes will be available for your comfort.
• Disposable black undergarments (underwear and backless bras) will be provided (S, M, L and XL sizes for both men and women) for more uniform photographs.
• Disposable headbands and hair scrunchies will also be available.
• If you prefer to wear your own undergarments, please wear black underwear and remember you will need to wear similar undergarments for subsequent mole mapping sessions. Boxer shorts are not recommended.
• You are welcome to bring a chaperone.
• Please do not bring children.
Areas covered by undergarments will not be monitored by digital mole mapping.
If you have moles that you would like mapped in areas covered by your undergarments, please discuss this with the medical assistant when you arrive for your appointment.
How long will this appointment take?
The duration of your appointment depends on the number of moles that need close up photography. If you only need overview photographs the appointment should last about 20 minutes. If you have many moles that your doctor has recommended magnification photography, the appointment will last longer.
Are there any contraindications to digital mole mapping?
You cannot have digital mole mapping performed when you have a rash, sunburn or prominent tan lines as this can interfere with the detection software.
How often should digital mole mapping be performed?
Digital mole mapping should be performed every 6 to 12 months as recommended by your dermatologist.
Do I still need to get full body skin exams with my dermatologist if I do digital mole mapping?
Digital mole mapping with FotoFinder Bodystudio is only an aid for your dermatologist. You will still need to get full body skin exams as recommended by your doctor. Although, the digital mole mapping is very helpful, the software may not detect all new or changing lesions. Full body skin exams by your dermatologist are very important and they are not replaced by digital mole mapping.
Does insurance cover digital mole mapping using FotoFinder?
Digital mole mapping using FotoFinder is not covered by commercial insurance at this time but may be eligible for coverage by some flexible benefit programs. Dermatology Consultants offers this service for a fee of $190 per session which includes any magnification photography (dermoscopy) and photograph analysis by your dermatologist.
How do I schedule an appointment for my first baseline digital mole mapping?
How do I schedule an appointment for my follow-up digital mole mapping?
For repeat digital mole mapping (every 6 or 12 months as determined by your dermatologist), please schedule the appointment at least two days prior to your follow up full body skin exam. Please call 651-209-1600 or request an appointment online for a follow-up digital mole mapping.
Where is the FotoFinder located?
Digital mole mapping is conducted only at our Woodbury location at this time. If you see a doctor at one of our other offices, they will be able to review your results. You may continue to receive your regular skin exams with your preferred doctor at any location.