Molemaps and recommended plastic surgeons for removal.

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Paul1977

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#214793 29-May-2017 09:16

As I'm getting a bit older, and there is a history of melanoma in the family, I thought it prudent to get a proper molemap/check done (as opposed to the cursory once over a GP gives you).

Is Molemap the best place to get this done? What about Molecheck who talk about how their "dermoscopy technique" is "more comprehensive than just mole mapping alone"?

I have one that has appeared out of nowhere on my face over the past 6 months that I am a little worried about, so if this one needs to be removed I would also like recommendations of the best place to get it done (in Christchurch) to minimise scarring?

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Xile

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#1790916 29-May-2017 09:32

I have used MoleCheck in Auckland in the past and can recommend them. The check is performed by a specialist skin doctor. They are co-located with a surgeon and so all performed under the one roof. I had a suspicious mole removed from my arm and there is minimal scarring.

afe66

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#1790946 29-May-2017 09:50

If scaring is a worry, get it removed by plastic surgeon.

There are quite a number of them in Chch.

Paul1977

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#1790948 29-May-2017 09:57

afe66: If scaring is a worry, get it removed by plastic surgeon.

There are quite a number of them in Chch.

I was hoping for recommendations of good ones.

rb99

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#1790953 29-May-2017 10:11

In my humble opinion, would think they're all pretty good. I mean if you get one thing removed and they do a good job, does that mean there aren't guys out there who'd do an even better job, or if someone does a bad job is it because they're not very good or they actually did a good job on a difficult problem.

Don't supposed that helped much.

Anyway, get stuff checked out. I got something checked out slap bang on the end of my nose which was harmless, kept growing, still harmless, kept growing, checked again by different doctor (a different GP) - turns out to be one of those basal cell things which had a far bit of extra time to grow. Removed by a skin place in Tauranga. Did a pretty good job but I imagine would have been easier / simpler if diagnosed a lot earlier.

Besides most of the time they are harmless and get frozen off.

(Edited to fix spellchecker 'corrections')

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MikeAqua

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#1790967 29-May-2017 10:33

I use Mole Map. I've found them really good. I'm in the high risk group for a couple of reasons. Their approach is detailed, systematic and professional.

Primary screening is done by nurses with specialist training. Appointments are lengthy so they have time to check carefully.

They 'tackle on suspicion': Anything remotely suspicious is photographed and checked by a specialist.

They create a digital map of you that records the position of everything photographed and enables changes to be tracked by comparing sequential derma-scope photographs of the same lesion and they also take wide angle snaps. If you see something suspicious develop between appointments you can go back for a free spot check.

If they identify a lesion that requires treatment they send a medical description and advice for follow up directly to you.

No system is perfect of course ...

Mike

jonathan18

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#1790981 29-May-2017 10:50

Sorry for the hijacking, but what's the typical annual cost for these types of service?

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sidefx

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#1790982 29-May-2017 10:51

Unfortunately I can't recommend anything in christchurch but if you're ever in auckland:

I had a couple of molemaps in the past then recently found this place which seemed a fair bit cheaper. They seemed just as thorough and knowledgeable as molemap, at least IMO.

http://www.claris.co.nz/services/skin-checks/

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Paul1977

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#1790996 29-May-2017 11:06

I like Molemap's approach, with tracking over time and total body photography for spotting new ones etc, but don't like that any issues are referred back to GP to then get another referral to plastic surgeon/dermatologist. Potentially a lot of back and forth dealing with different Drs.

I don't think Molecheck sounds as good for tracking over time as I don't think they do the total body photography for spotting new ones, but I like that they treat precancerous stuff on the spot and the initial examination is done by a dermatologist so you get a faster diagnosis. Also they have their own plastic surgeons etc.

Paul1977

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#1791006 29-May-2017 11:22

Well, Molecheck can see me tomorrow so I'm going to go with them this time.

Probably would have gone with Molemap if there wasn't a mole that I was specifically concerned about; but after making the decision to get it checked out, I want a diagnosis and any treatment as soon as possible!

MikeAqua

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#1791014 29-May-2017 11:37

Paul1977:

I like Molemap's approach, with tracking over time and total body photography for spotting new ones etc, but don't like that any issues are referred back to GP to then get another referral to plastic surgeon/dermatologist. Potentially a lot of back and forth dealing with different Drs.

I don't think Molecheck sounds as good for tracking over time as I don't think they do the total body photography for spotting new ones, but I like that they treat precancerous stuff on the spot and the initial examination is done by a dermatologist so you get a faster diagnosis. Also they have their own plastic surgeons etc.

My experience was that Molemap provided me with sufficient info to refer myself directly to a specialist. I left the GP ("that looks benign to me") out of the loop.

Mike

bmoff

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#1791055 29-May-2017 12:50

Molemap is a over-hyped franchise taking advantage of peoples emotions and fears.

Just make an appointment with a good dermatologist for a skin check and have regular check-ups according to his recommendations along with self monitoring.

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mattwnz

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#1791076 29-May-2017 13:21

Many health centres have proper skin clinics. I find GPS are less likely to check, and will refer you to the skin clinic these days instead.

MikeAqua

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#1791097 29-May-2017 14:05

bmoff:

Molemap is a over-hyped franchise taking advantage of peoples emotions and fears.

Just make an appointment with a good dermatologist for a skin check and have regular check-ups according to his recommendations along with self monitoring.

I agree their marketing is a little fear-mongery. Then again, maybe we could all do with reminding.

Their clinical approach seems to me (not a medico) to be very professional.

They initially classed me as high risk, and were correct. It's something no GP has ever asked me.

My regular mm check up costs less than a specialist's appointment.

I take comfort in their systematic, time-series approach and reminder system.

Rather than what I imagine would be a less structured scanning by a specialist.

Mike