 Mole
maps lead the way
Skin cancer specialist Martin A. Weinstock, MD, PhD, hopes
the new MoleMax II machine, one of the first in the country, will
help patients detect melanoma early in its course.
MoleMax II is located in the APC offices of University Dermatologists
at Rhode Island Hospital. A set of two digital cameras takes photographs
of the skin. One camera gathers microscopic images of specific abnormal
moles, while the other gathers images of larger skin surfaces. "Use
of this type of microscopic viewing can increase the accuracy of
diagnosing melanoma," says Weinstock. "The MoleMax II
also allows these images to be printed and kept in the patient's
medical record, so we can monitor changes."
The images of larger skin surfaces,
called "mole maps," help familiarize people with their
moles. This gives patients a way of examining their own skin to
determine if a spot has changed in size, shape or color. "We
hope the printouts will encourage patients to conduct monthly self-exams
of their skin as well," says Weinstock. "This service
is designed for people with multiple moles because they are at a
high risk of melanoma and may have difficulty noticing a change."
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