FotoFinder Mole Mapping: What to Expect at Your Appointment
If you have been thinking about getting your moles checked professionally, you may have come across the term FotoFinder mole mapping. It sounds technical, but the process itself is straightforward, painless, and designed to give you a clear picture of your skin health.
At Apex Skin Clinic in Maidenhead, Berkshire, we use the FotoFinder Bodystudio ATBM system to carry out full body mole mapping for patients from across Berkshire, London, Surrey, and the wider South East. This guide explains exactly what the appointment involves, who it is designed for, and what happens if something needs further assessment.
What Is FotoFinder Mole Mapping?
FotoFinder is a medical imaging system used by specialist skin cancer clinics to photograph and monitor moles across the entire body. It combines high-resolution total body photography with dermoscopic imaging and AI-supported analysis to build a detailed digital record of your skin.
Unlike a standard mole check, which is a one-off visual examination, FotoFinder mole mapping creates a baseline that can be compared at future appointments. This makes it possible to detect subtle changes in moles over time, including changes too small to notice with the naked eye.
The system is particularly effective at identifying early warning signs of melanoma and other skin cancers, and is the same technology trusted by NHS dermatology departments and leading private skin cancer centres across the UK.
Who Should Consider FotoFinder Mole Mapping?
Mole mapping is particularly recommended for people who:
Have a large number of moles across the body
Have fair skin or a history of significant sun exposure
Have a family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
Have previously been diagnosed with melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Have noticed a mole that appears to be changing, but are unsure whether it is significant
Simply want the reassurance of a thorough, consultant-supervised skin check
You do not need to have a specific concern to book a mole mapping appointment. Many patients attend for peace of mind, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors or have not had a formal skin check before.
What Happens at a FotoFinder Mole Mapping Appointment?
Your appointment at Apex Skin Clinic is carried out by one of our trained skin cancer nurse specialists, under the clinical supervision of Mr Kuen Yeow Chin, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Skin Cancer Lead at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
1. Initial consultation
Your nurse will begin by taking a brief medical history. This includes any personal or family history of skin cancer, previous mole removals, and any moles or skin lesions you are currently concerned about. This helps the team focus on the areas most relevant to your individual risk profile.
2. Full body photography
You will be asked to undress to your underwear so that all areas of the skin can be photographed. The FotoFinder system captures standardised, high-resolution images of the entire body from multiple angles. This creates a complete visual record of your skin at the time of the appointment.
3. Dermoscopic imaging of individual moles
Any moles that appear unusual, are flagged by the AI system, or are in areas you have difficulty monitoring yourself will be examined more closely using dermoscopy. This involves placing a small handheld lens directly onto the skin to view the internal structure of each mole in detail.
The FotoFinder system can capture dermoscopic images at high magnification, revealing features that are invisible to the naked eye and that experienced clinicians use to assess whether a mole warrants further attention.
4. AI-supported analysis
One of the distinctive features of FotoFinder is its integrated AI analysis tool, Moleanalyzer Pro. This reviews the dermoscopic images and highlights any features associated with potential malignancy. The AI does not make a diagnosis, but it provides an additional layer of objective analysis that supports the clinical judgement of your nurse and consultant.
5. Clinical review and guidance
At the end of the appointment, your nurse will discuss the findings with you. Most patients leave with reassurance and a clear plan for monitoring. If any moles require further assessment, a follow-up appointment with Mr Chin can be arranged promptly.
You will receive a written summary of your appointment, including recommendations for ongoing monitoring where relevant.
What Does FotoFinder Mole Mapping Cost?
At Apex Skin Clinic, the pricing for mole mapping is as follows:
Full body mole mapping (initial appointment): £380
Follow-up mole mapping: £304
Two people attending on the same day: £680
Your initial appointment includes full body imaging, AI-supported analysis, clinical assessment by a skin cancer nurse, and clear written guidance on the recommended follow-up plan. Private health insurance may cover the cost of mole mapping. Our team can provide documentation to support a claim - find out more about our screening and diagnosis process.
What Is the Difference Between FotoFinder and a Standard Mole Check?
A standard mole check involves a dermatologist visually examining your skin, sometimes with a handheld dermatoscope. It is a valuable first step, but it has limitations. Without a baseline record, there is no way to compare a mole today with how it looked six or twelve months ago.
FotoFinder mole mapping addresses this directly. By creating a comprehensive digital record of every mole on the body, it makes longitudinal monitoring possible. Changes that develop gradually over months are far more likely to be detected when there is a clear reference point to compare against.
For patients with many moles or a higher personal risk of skin cancer, this structured approach provides a significantly more thorough level of surveillance.
What Happens if a Mole Looks Suspicious?
If the assessment identifies a mole that requires further investigation, your nurse will discuss the next steps clearly and calmly. There is no need to worry at this stage. The vast majority of moles that are flagged for review turn out to be benign.
Where further investigation is needed, Mr Chin can arrange a prompt follow-up consultation. If a biopsy or mole removal is recommended, this can be carried out at Apex Skin Clinic in a dedicated surgical setting. All surgical procedures, including excision and reconstruction, are performed by a consultant plastic and skin cancer surgeon.
Early detection is the single most important factor in successful skin cancer treatment. The purpose of mole mapping is to identify any concerns at the earliest possible stage, when treatment outcomes are most favourable.
How to Book a FotoFinder Mole Mapping Appointment
Apex Skin Clinic is based at Berkshire Grove Hospital in Maidenhead and welcomes patients from across Berkshire, Surrey, London, Oxfordshire, and Sussex. You do not need a GP referral to book.
To enquire about a mole mapping appointment, visit our mole mapping page or call us on 020 3871 5898. Our team will be happy to answer any questions and help you find a convenient appointment time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FotoFinder mole mapping painful? No. The appointment is completely painless and non-invasive. No injections, dyes, or radiation are involved.
How long does the appointment take? A full body mole mapping appointment typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on the number of moles being assessed.
How often should I have mole mapping? This depends on your individual risk profile. Many patients with a higher risk of skin cancer benefit from annual monitoring. Your nurse will recommend the most appropriate schedule for you.
Can I have mole mapping if I have had skin cancer before? Yes. Patients who have previously been diagnosed with melanoma, BCC, or SCC are often the people who benefit most from structured ongoing monitoring.
Do I need a GP referral? No. You can book directly with Apex Skin Clinic without a referral.
Book Your Mole Mapping Appointment
If you would like to arrange a FotoFinder mole mapping appointment at Apex Skin Clinic, get in touch with our team today. We see patients from Maidenhead, Reading, Windsor, Bracknell, London, and across the South East.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are concerned about a skin change, please consult a qualified medical professional.
Apex Skin Clinic