In a recent podcast with Health University of Utah, Doug Grossman, MD, PhD, Head of the Mole Mapping Program at the Melanoma Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute, emphasized the important role that total body photography and mole mapping have in assisting dermatologists in early detection of skin cancer.

The Importance of Mole Mapping

Previously, Dr. Grossman and his team at Huntsman Cancer Institute focused on photographing specific skin areas with lesions for individual monitoring, which was not ideal for monitoring the entire body. To enhance the speed and accuracy of their examinations, Huntsman Cancer Institue switched to full-body photography, an approach they have been utilizing ever since. 

How Technology Has Revolutionized Examinations

On top of that, Dr. Grossman highlights specific advancements in imaging technology that have enhanced diagnostic accuracy and simplified examinations.

Previously, Dr. Grossman and his team at Huntsman Cancer Institute focused on photographing specific skin areas with lesions for individual monitoring, which was not optimal for monitoring the entire body. To enhance the speed and accuracy of their examinations, Huntsman Cancer Institute switched to full-body photography, an approach they have been utilizing ever since.

“Having a photograph gives me a huge advantage when I'm examining a patient. If I don't have a photograph, then really one is just guessing about which mole might be changing or be particularly suspicious.” He also adds that this innovative approach has helped reduce unnecessary biopsies and the associated scars on over hundreds of thousands of lesions, overall enhancing examinations.

Canfield Scientific’s IntelliStudio®: Total Body Mapping

Canfield Scientific’s IntelliStudio is an automated total body photography tool that offers complete body mapping capabilities, for mole mapping and for tracking other conditions such as psoriasis. This fully automated total body imaging system allows dermatologists to examine various skin conditions, capture dermoscopic images, record data, and monitor patients over time with minimal staff training. Powered by advanced DermaGraphix® software, Canfield’s Markerless Tracking automatically aligns skin surfaces from two body maps, revealing new and changing lesions, advancing preventative strategies and deepening the understanding of skin cancer factors.

Moving Towards the Future

Overall, Dr. Grossman’s insights highlight the importance of regular skin checks and the pivotal role that advanced imaging systems play in modern dermatology.

As total body photography and mole mapping continue to gain prominence in monitoring and prevention, Canfield Scientific remains committed to providing advanced tools that enhance dermatologists' capabilities and improve patient outcomes.

Listen to Dr. Grossman discuss mole mapping here.
To learn more about Canfield Scientific's IntelliStudio, click here.