Mole mapping
Mole Mapping – Advanced Skin Cancer Screening in Montreal
Our Mole Mapping service at Radimed Westmount Square provides advanced skin cancer screening using high-resolution dermatologic imaging. This comprehensive skin assessment helps track moles over time and supports early melanoma detection for individuals seeking a proactive approach to skin health in the Greater Montreal Area.
This service is offered in partnership with DERME IMAGE
Mole mapping is available exclusively at the Radimed Westmount Square clinic through a partnership with DERME IMAGE, whose dermatologists have extensive experience in skin cancer detection.
By combining our strengths, we offer a specialized service dedicated to supporting and monitoring your skin health through advanced dermatologic imaging.
High-performance dermatology imaging (FotoFinder ATBM MASTER)
To ensure optimal image quality, DERME IMAGE relies on cutting-edge technology, including the FotoFinder ATBM MASTER, widely recognized as one of the world’s leading systems in dermatologic imaging.
What is Mole Mapping?
Mole mapping is a dermatologic imaging procedure that visually documents the entire skin surface and tracks how moles evolve over time.
This examination is non-invasive, painless, and radiation-free, making it an important tool in proactive skin cancer prevention and long-term monitoring.
Who may benefit from Mole Mapping?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Anyone can benefit from a skin exam, especially individuals with melanoma risk factors.
We provide a quick, non-invasive screening so you can have confidence in the health of your skin and monitor any potential changes over time.
Do any of the following apply to you?
- Do you have numerous moles (more than 50)?
- Do you have a family history of skin cancer?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with melanoma?
- Do you have large moles (over 5 cm in diameter)?
- Have you noticed changes in your moles?
- Have new moles appeared on your skin?
- Do you have fair or sun-sensitive skin?
- Are you immunocompromised?
- Have you ever had a severe sunburn when you were younger?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, Mole Mapping may be beneficial as part of your ongoing skin cancer prevention plan.
An essential tool for proactive skin cancer prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mole Mapping
- What is mole mapping?
Mole mapping is a specialized procedure that uses polarized photography and dermoscopy to document and monitor skin lesions over time to help detect melanoma and other skin cancers at an early stage.
- Do I need a medical referral to book an appointment?
No. A medical referral is not required to book an appointment. Patients may selfrefer for mole mapping or individual lesion assessments. Following examination and review of the images by our dermatologist, a report and recommendations will be provided to the patient and, with the patient’s consent, may also be shared with their family physician, dermatologist, or other healthcare provider for appropriate follow-up.
- How long does the mole mapping procedure take?
- Full-body mole mapping in one visit: Includes clinical and dermoscopic imaging and may take up to 45 minutes.
- Full-body mole mapping in two visits: Includes two separate appointments, one for total-body imaging and one for dermoscopic imaging. Each appointment lasts approximately 30 minutes.
- Will I receive my results immediately?
No. All images are reviewed by a dermatologist. You will be contacted within the days following your examination, and your results and recommendations will be communicated to you.
- What should I wear to my appointment?
Please wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid makeup, lotions, self-tanners, and nail polish. A gown will be provided for the imaging session.
- Is mole mapping covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your insurance provider and policy. Many insurers reimburse this expense through a health spending account. Please check directly with your insurance provider.
- Will biopsies be performed during the appointment?
No. No biopsies or treatments are performed during the appointment. If a lesion is considered concerning after review, a recommendation for further assessment or biopsy may be made.
- What should I do if a mole changes after my appointment?
Please contact our clinic to schedule a follow-up appointment. You do not need to wait until your annual examination if you notice a new lesion or a change in an existing lesion.
- How often should mole mapping be repeated?
The recommended frequency varies depending on the individual patient and the dermatologist’s recommendations. However, follow-up intervals generally range from 4 to 12 months.
- How will I receive my results?
A detailed report will be provided to you. With your consent, the report may also be sent to your family physician, dermatologist, or other healthcare provider.
- Do I need to remove my nail polish before my appointment?
Yes. Please remove all nail polish from both fingernails and toenails before your appointment. We also ask that you avoid wearing makeup to allow for optimal assessment.
- Is mole mapping safe?
Yes. Mole mapping is a non-invasive and completely safe procedure. No radiation is used.
- May I bring someone with me to my appointment?
You may bring someone with you; however, only the patient is permitted in the examination room.
- What if I have tattoos?
Tattoos may interfere with optimal imaging. A skin lesion located within a tattoo may be more difficult to detect or monitor.
- Do you accept children?
Mole mapping is available for patients aged 16 years and older.
- What happens if a suspicious lesion is detected?
If a concerning lesion is identified, we will guide you regarding the next steps, which may include closer monitoring, additional assessment, or referral for biopsy.
- Can I request evaluation of a specific mole or lesion?
Yes. Although full-body mole mapping is recommended for comprehensive assessment, individual lesion assessments are also available.
Exam offered:
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Full-body Mole Mapping
A comprehensive full-body examination that captures high-resolution images from multiple angles, creating a reliable baseline to help detect new moles or identify changes in existing ones over time.
Note: This examination is intended for individuals aged 16 and older.
Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to remove.
Wear dark-colored underwear.
(Loose-fitting boxers are not recommended.)Avoid wearing jewelry, including watches, bracelets, necklaces, chains, and piercings.
Do not wear any makeup, lipstick, eyeliner, or nail polish.
Avoid self-tanning products for at least one week before your appointment.
If you have long hair, tie it back, as it may obstruct the imaging.
Do not wear black or dark-colored socks.
Note for male patients:
If you have significant body hair on the chest, abdomen, back, arms, or legs, it is strongly recommended to trim or shave these areas before the exam. Moles hidden by dense hair may not be visible to the imaging system.Incomplete preparation may affect the quality of the scan and the accuracy of the results.
-
Targeted lesion follow-up
A targeted monitoring examination that provides high-resolution follow-up of specific lesions identified as requiring closer observation over time.
Note: This examination is intended for individuals aged 16 and older.
Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to remove.
Wear dark-colored underwear.
(Loose-fitting boxers are not recommended.)Avoid wearing jewelry, including watches, bracelets, necklaces, chains, and piercings.
Do not wear any makeup, lipstick, eyeliner, or nail polish.
Avoid self-tanning products for at least one week before your appointment.
If you have long hair, tie it back, as it may obstruct the imaging.
Do not wear black or dark-colored socks.
Note for male patients:
If you have significant body hair on the chest, abdomen, back, arms, or legs, it is strongly recommended to trim or shave these areas before the exam. Moles hidden by dense hair may not be visible to the imaging system.Incomplete preparation may affect the quality of the scan and the accuracy of the results.
-
Single lesion
A focused imaging examination that provides high-resolution analysis of one to three specific lesions, particularly when a new, evolving, or concerning mole requires closer evaluation.
Note: This examination is intended for individuals aged 16 and older.
Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to remove.
Wear dark-colored underwear.
(Loose-fitting boxers are not recommended.)Avoid wearing jewelry, including watches, bracelets, necklaces, chains, and piercings.
Do not wear any makeup, lipstick, eyeliner, or nail polish.
Avoid self-tanning products for at least one week before your appointment.
If you have long hair, tie it back, as it may obstruct the imaging.
Do not wear black or dark-colored socks.
Note for male patients:
If you have significant body hair on the chest, abdomen, back, arms, or legs, it is strongly recommended to trim or shave these areas before the exam. Moles hidden by dense hair may not be visible to the imaging system.Incomplete preparation may affect the quality of the scan and the accuracy of the results.
