Mole Mapping in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is mole mapping?
Mole mapping is a structured skin surveillance test that combines two records: full-body photographs taken in set, standard poses, and magnified dermoscopy images of individual moles. Together they form a baseline map of your skin that every later visit is compared against.
Dermoscopy uses a handheld magnifier with its own built-in light to look just beneath the skin surface. Under this view, a mole shows an internal pattern of pigment lines, dots, globules and colours that is invisible to the naked eye, and the dermatologist reads that pattern to judge whether a mole looks typical.
The value of mole mapping comes from comparison. Melanoma is a skin cancer that often begins as a new mark or as a change in an existing mole, and a change is far easier to see against a photograph than against memory. Mole mapping at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah is performed in-house by the dermatology team.
Who needs it
Mole mapping suits people with a higher chance of melanoma, particularly those with too many moles to follow by eye alone:
- A large number of moles
- Atypical moles, which are larger, irregular in outline or uneven in colour
- A personal history of melanoma, or melanoma in a parent, brother or sister
- Fair skin, light eyes, red or fair hair, freckles, or skin that burns easily
- Blistering sunburns in the past, especially in childhood
- Years of strong sun exposure through outdoor work, sport or beach time
- A weakened immune system, for example after an organ transplant
The UAE has strong ultraviolet light for most of the year. Fair-skinned residents who grew up in cooler climates often carry moles and sun damage from early life, and outdoor work under the Sharjah sun adds to that exposure. Professional drivers often collect more sun damage on the arm and side of the face nearest the window.
Mole mapping is a record and a guide. When a mole looks suspicious, the next step is removal and examination under the microscope, which is the test that gives the diagnosis.
What happens
A mole mapping visit is unhurried and involves no needles.
- History. The dermatologist asks about your skin type, sunburns, family history and any mole that worries you.
- Full skin examination. The whole skin is checked, including the scalp, between the toes, the soles, the nails and, with your agreement, the genital area.
- Body photographs. You stand in your underwear in a series of set poses, and the same poses are repeated at every visit so the images line up.
- Dermoscopy images. Selected moles are photographed through the dermatoscope. Particular attention goes to any "ugly duckling", a mole that looks different from the rest of your moles.
- Results. The dermatologist explains the findings on the same day.
Most moles are simply recorded as part of your baseline. A mole that looks suspicious is booked for removal and laboratory analysis, as described on the skin lesion removal page. A mole that looks only slightly unusual may be set for short-term monitoring, where it is photographed again after a few months to see whether it has changed. The dermatologist sets the interval between full mapping visits according to your level of risk.
Preparing for it
Remove nail polish from your fingers and toes, because melanoma occasionally starts under a nail. Skip fake tan, body make-up and heavy moisturiser for the day, and arrive with a clean face. Avoid sunbathing before the visit, since a fresh tan or sunburn changes how moles look.
Tie long hair back so the scalp and neck are easy to examine. Wear comfortable clothing that is quick to take off. Tell the team if you would like a chaperone present during the examination.
Bring a list of any moles you are worried about, older photographs of a mole that has changed, and details of any skin cancer in your family. If you have had moles removed before, bring the laboratory reports.
Afterwards
Mole mapping has no recovery time, and you return to normal activities straight away.
Between visits, check your own skin once a month in a good light, using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for your back. Look for the ABCDE signs: asymmetry, an irregular border, uneven colour, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and evolving, meaning any change. A phone photograph of a mole with a ruler beside it gives you your own record to compare against.
Sun protection supports the whole programme. In the UAE, seek shade in the middle of the day, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, and wear a hat and covering clothing outdoors. Return at the interval the dermatologist sets, and bring your own photographs to each visit.
Contact the hospital before your next scheduled visit if a mole changes in size, shape or colour, if a new mole appears that looks different from your others, or if a mole itches, bleeds, crusts or becomes sore.
Cost and insurance
Coverage for mole mapping varies between UAE insurance plans. When mole mapping is requested for a medical reason, such as a history of melanoma, many atypical moles or a changing mole, some plans cover it, often with pre-approval. Other plans classify routine skin screening as preventive and exclude it. Removal and laboratory analysis of a suspicious mole is usually assessed separately. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What are the limitations and risks of mole mapping?
Mole mapping is non-invasive and uses ordinary photography and light, with no radiation, so it carries no physical risk. Its limitation is that it cannot give a diagnosis: only laboratory examination of a removed mole confirms whether it is melanoma. Some melanomas grow quickly between visits or have little pigment, so a mole that changes should be checked promptly rather than left until the next mapping visit.
Is mole mapping painful?
Mole mapping is painless. It involves a skin examination, photographs and a handheld magnifier placed against the skin, with no needles or cutting.
How often should I have mole mapping?
The interval between mole mapping visits depends on your level of risk, and the dermatologist sets it after the first visit. People with a history of melanoma or many atypical moles are usually seen more often than people with a lower risk.
Does mole mapping replace checking my own skin?
Mole mapping does not replace monthly self-checks, because a change can appear between visits. The two work together: your own checks catch changes early, and the mapping photographs show the dermatologist exactly what has changed.
Can a mole be removed on the same day as mole mapping?
A mole that looks suspicious during mole mapping is usually booked for removal as a separate procedure under local anaesthetic, so the tissue can be sent to the laboratory. The dermatologist explains the timing that suits your case.
Is mole mapping useful for darker skin?
Mole mapping is useful for any skin type where there are many moles or other risk factors. In darker skin, melanoma is less common but tends to appear on the palms, soles and under the nails, so these areas receive close attention during the examination.
What is short-term mole monitoring?
Short-term mole monitoring is a follow-up in which one slightly unusual mole is photographed through the dermatoscope and then re-imaged after a few months. A mole that stays the same is kept under routine watch, and a mole that has changed is usually removed for analysis.
Departments
Book an appointment
Tell us your preferred day and time. Our team calls you back to confirm.