Non-invasive, computerised, early melanoma detection & surgical removal

The Melanoma ::

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in western societies where light coloured skin and outdoor lifestyles dominate. Unfortunately it is growing even more common with modern lifestyles and changes in the environment. Melanoma is the most rapidly increasing major cancer in these communities. South Africa has one of the highest monitored ultra violet levels in the world. Therefore we have one of the highest skin cancer rates. Melanoma, the most dangerous form, is on the increase. The melanoma is a highly malignant skin tumour which can arise from an existing mole or from healthy skin. The tumour tends to metastasise early over the lymph and blood streams, which makes it very dangerous!

A Melanoma

The melanoma A-B-C-D-E rule ::

This is a practical method for early recognition of malignant melanoma. If more than one of the criteria below apply, please have the mole analysed:

Asymmetry
Border (irregular, blurred or jagged edges)
Colour variation (brown/reddish/white dots) Diameter (more than 6 millimetres)
Evolution (changes of the mole)

Statistics ::

In recent years, the number of melanoma cases has increased dramatically. In Europe, every year about 1 million skin tumors are diagnosed. 1 out of 100 of these skin cancers is a malignant melanoma. According to the latest available statistics from the National Cancer Registry, one in four South Africans will be affected by cancer in his or her lifetime. Although melanoma is 100% curable if detected in time, many patients die from this skin cancer - often young.

Mole Mapping gives you certainty ::

The images of your moles are stored on electronic media. The doctor can accurately compare earlier images to recent ones. Even the smallest change will be detected!

Before

After

Advantages
•  Unnecessary excisions can be avoided.
•  Detection of the slightest skin changes allows early diagnosis.
•  Continuous mole observation gives certainty.
•  Mole Mapping helps to make the right decision
    and take action before it is too late!

Microscopic image

Clinical image

Our advanced skin examination offers ::

•   Skin cancer screening
•   Long term mole observation
•   Analysis of moles
•   Detection of new moles

Make sure to have your skin checked for optimum health!

Risk factors ::

People with light skin and high exposure to UV radiation have a higher risk for developing a melanoma. High risk areas are face, neck, shoulders and extremities.
In about 60% of cases melanoma arise from moles that have been inconspicuous over years.

High risk group ::

Skin cancer concerns everyone, but some have a higher risk than others:
•   Patients with many pigmented lesions (The more, the higher the risk!)
•   Pigmented lesions larger than 6 mm
•   One or more melanoma in your family
•   One or more melanoma within your own medical history
•   Severe sunburns especially during childhood or adolescence.

EVALUATION AND REMOVAL OF DERMATOLOGICAL LESIONS