For those without access to the latest mole screening technology, the normal method of assessing if a particular mole is potentially dangerous is using a scoring method doctors call the ABCD test, when doctors and dermatologists convert what they see into a risk score. This four point score relates to malignant melanoma only and ranks each mole between 1 (highly unlikely to be a melanoma) and 9 (highly likely to be a melanoma).

Over the years, many suspicious moles have been removed on the basis of ABCD diagnosis and sent to a laboratory for assessment, a process called histology. Only histology can prove whether a mole is malignant, but it is not acceptable to the individual or medically practical to remove every suspicious mole and send it to a laboratory.

Fortunately, enough histology has already taken place to refine the ABCD test and make it an accurate tool in expert hands. Unfortunately, analysing moles using the traditional ABCD method remains very time consuming and an inefficient use of expert time. This is why at the moment there is no general screening programme in the UK where everyone is examined for abnormal moles.

The Skin Clinic is bringing general mole screening a step closer. The Skin Clinic is one of the first groups in the UK to introduce the latest screening technology developed in Germany called computer-aided dermoscopy. Our clever, computer-enhanced dermoscope is an advanced digital camera which is linked to a computer with a database of 40,000 reference moles. It is used to examine moles through a thin layer of liquid and the result is a highly accurate assessment of what is going on immediately below the skin’s surface, better than can be achieved by the naked eye or even using a powerful magnifying glass.

It takes our computer seconds to calculate its own version of an ABCD score for each mole, although the dermoscope’s analysis is based on ten times the number of parameters than the traditional four-point ABCD method.

A paper recently presented to the British Journal of Dermatology explains why the dermoscope’s scoring system is much more reliable than the traditional method. Many moles that are apparently borderline with the normal screening method may, on closer inspection with dermoscopy, be safely classified as benign, reducing the number of unnecessary excisions and associated scarring.

Furthermore, dermoscopy allows genuine borderline cases to be screened again within a few weeks, leading to a further reduction in excisions and less chance of missing a melanoma. Digital images from each visit are stored electronically, so the system can check for small changes, in shape, size, content and colour, all important parameters within its internal algorithm.

The improved accuracy and speed of analysis, which can be carried out as efficiently by a trained clinician as a specialist dermatologist, make the process cost effective and mean mass screening is a step nearer.

Some higher scores may require more detailed analysis by The Skin Clinic and its consultants after your visit. The biggest benefit of screening is when, on a small number of occasions, a highly suspicious mole is positively identified, removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis. When a melanoma is still in the very early stages, it may not be very deep and the risk is therefore much less. Melanoma are more dangerous when they are deep enough to enter the blood system and then spread to sites further away.

If excision is necessary, The Skin Clinic would refer you back to your GP or the local NHS hospital, as appropriate. Alternatively, The Skin Clinic could introduce you to our network of independent dermatologists, consultant surgeons and specialist physicians for private treatment. Medical partners include Skin Check in Farnham, Surrey and the Odiham Health Centre.

Dermoscopy scores only apply to possible melanomas and do not address other less dangerous forms of skin cancer. However, a visual inspection at The Skin Clinic and digital images taken with a dermoscope are frequently the first step in identifying more common conditions. If your clinician notices something unusual we would recommend forwarding your results electronically to our medical director. If appropriate, our medical director would then refer you back to your GP or suggest a follow up visit to an independent specialist. The Skin Clinic provides this additional service at its own discretion for free, without any obligation or responsibility on our part.