Mole Mapping in Melbourne
Doctor-led mole mapping and digital skin monitoring in Sunshine and Frankston. No referral required.
Mole mapping provides a digital record of your skin and selected moles so they can be compared over time.
At The Mole Clinic, mole mapping combines a full body skin check by a doctor with digital imaging using DermEngine technology. This can be particularly useful for selected patients with numerous moles, atypical lesions or an increased risk of melanoma.
With clinics in Sunshine and Frankston, you can book mole mapping directly without a referral.
What is mole mapping?
Mole mapping is a method of documenting your skin using digital photography and images of selected lesions.
These images create a record that can be reviewed at future appointments to assess whether relevant lesions have remained stable or developed changes.
Mole mapping does not replace examination by a doctor. At The Mole Clinic, it is performed alongside a full body skin cancer check, allowing the images to be interpreted in the context of your skin, medical history and individual skin cancer risk.
Who may benefit from mole mapping?
Not everyone having a skin check requires mole mapping.
It may be particularly useful for selected patients who have:
Numerous moles
Multiple atypical or unusual moles
A personal history of melanoma
A family history that increases melanoma risk
Lesions that are difficult to monitor themselves
Other clinical factors that make monitoring changes over time useful
Your doctor can help determine whether mole mapping is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
If you are concerned about only one or a small number of lesions, a Spot & Mole Check may be more appropriate.
What happens during a mole mapping appointment?
At The Mole Clinic, mole mapping includes a full body skin check by a doctor.
Your appointment will usually begin with a discussion about your skin, previous skin cancers, family history, sun exposure and any particular lesions that concern you.
Your doctor will then systematically examine your skin and use dermoscopy where appropriate to assess individual lesions.
Digital images are captured to document your skin and relevant lesions. These images can provide a baseline for comparison at future appointments.
If your doctor identifies a lesion that requires further investigation, monitoring may not be appropriate. A biopsy or other assessment may be recommended instead.
How does DermEngine mole mapping work?
The Mole Clinic uses DermEngine technology for digital skin imaging, mole mapping and longitudinal monitoring where clinically appropriate.
DermEngine allows relevant clinical and dermoscopic images to be stored so they can be reviewed and compared at future appointments.
This can help your doctor assess whether a documented lesion has remained stable or developed changes over time.
The technology supports clinical assessment. It does not independently diagnose skin cancer and does not replace examination and clinical judgement by a doctor.
What is the difference between a skin check and mole mapping?
A full body skin check is a systematic clinical examination of your skin by a doctor.
Mole mapping adds digital imaging to create a record of your skin and selected lesions for future comparison.
For some patients, a standard skin check may be all that is required. For others, particularly those with numerous or atypical moles or increased melanoma risk, digital monitoring may provide useful additional information.
What is digital mole monitoring?
Digital monitoring involves comparing images of selected lesions over time.
At a future review, your doctor can compare the current appearance of a documented lesion with previous images and assess for relevant changes.
This can be useful because some lesions are not clearly suspicious enough to require immediate biopsy but may still warrant clinical follow-up.
The appropriate monitoring interval depends on the individual lesion and your circumstances. There is no single follow-up schedule suitable for every patient.
Does mole mapping detect melanoma?
Mole mapping does not diagnose melanoma on its own.
It provides additional information that can support your doctor's assessment and can help document changes over time.
Some suspicious lesions require biopsy rather than monitoring. If your doctor believes tissue diagnosis is required, a skin biopsy may be recommended and the sample sent for histopathology.
What happens if a mole changes?
A change in a mole does not automatically mean that it is cancerous.
If a documented lesion changes, your doctor will reassess it and determine whether further investigation is required.
Depending on the findings, the next step may include:
Further clinical and dermoscopic assessment
Additional imaging
Continued monitoring
A skin biopsy
Removal or another form of treatment
If you notice a significant change yourself between scheduled appointments, arrange an earlier assessment rather than waiting for your next planned mole mapping review.
What changes should you have checked sooner?
Arrange an assessment if you notice a lesion that:
Changes in size, shape or colour
Looks noticeably different from your other spots
Repeatedly bleeds or crusts
Becomes persistently itchy, tender or painful
Develops into a sore that does not heal
Otherwise changes in a way that concerns you
Digital monitoring is intended to support appropriate follow-up. It should not delay assessment of a lesion that has become concerning.
How often should mole mapping be repeated?
There is no single mole mapping interval that applies to everyone.
Your doctor will recommend follow-up according to factors such as your individual risk, previous skin cancer history, number and type of moles and any lesions requiring monitoring.
If you notice a concerning change before your planned review, arrange an earlier assessment.
How much does mole mapping cost?
Our current mole mapping fees and applicable Medicare rebates are available on our Services & Fees page.
Keeping our current pricing in one place means you can check the latest fee before booking.
View Current Fees
Mole mapping in Sunshine and Frankston
The Mole Clinic provides doctor-led mole mapping at two Melbourne locations.
Sunshine
Our Sunshine clinic provides mole mapping and skin cancer checks for patients from Sunshine and surrounding communities across Melbourne's western suburbs.
View Sunshine Clinic
Book Sunshine
Frankston
Our Frankston clinic provides mole mapping and skin cancer checks for patients from Frankston, Frankston South, Mount Eliza, Langwarrin and surrounding Mornington Peninsula and south eastern Melbourne communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for mole mapping?
No. You can book directly with The Mole Clinic without a referral.
Does everyone need mole mapping?
No. Mole mapping may be useful for selected patients, particularly those with numerous or atypical moles or increased melanoma risk. A standard full body skin check may be more appropriate for other patients.
Does a doctor perform the skin check?
Yes. At The Mole Clinic, mole mapping includes a full body skin cancer check by a doctor.
What technology does The Mole Clinic use?
We use DermEngine technology for digital skin imaging, mole mapping and longitudinal monitoring where clinically appropriate.
Is mole mapping the same as a skin check?
No. A skin check is a clinical examination of your skin. Mole mapping adds digital imaging that can be used to document your skin and selected lesions for future comparison.
Can mole mapping diagnose melanoma?
No. Mole mapping supports clinical assessment and monitoring but does not independently diagnose melanoma. Suspicious lesions may require biopsy and histopathology.
Should I wait until my next mole mapping appointment if a spot changes?
No. If you notice a new or concerning change between scheduled reviews, arrange an earlier assessment.
Book Mole Mapping in Melbourne
The Mole Clinic provides doctor-led mole mapping using DermEngine technology at our Sunshine and Frankston clinics.
If you have numerous moles, atypical lesions or would like to discuss whether digital monitoring may be appropriate for you, you can book directly without a referral.