Mole Mapping Explained: Why Advanced Skin Monitoring Matters, Especially at This Time of Year
As we move towards the end of the year and begin to reflect on our health and wellbeing, many people start thinking more carefully about preventative care. One area that is often overlooked, yet vitally important, is skin health. At Berkshire Grove Hospital, we are pleased to offer advanced mole mapping with FotoFinder, providing patients with a modern, clinically led approach to skin cancer screening that goes far beyond a standard visual mole check.
What is mole mapping?
Mole mapping is a structured method of monitoring the skin over time. Rather than assessing moles in isolation, it creates a detailed visual record of your skin, documenting existing moles and allowing clinicians to track any changes at future appointments. This approach is particularly valuable for people with multiple moles, fair skin, a history of sun exposure, or a personal or family history of skin cancer.
At Berkshire Grove Hospital, mole mapping is carried out using FotoFinder technology. This advanced system captures high-quality, consistent images of the skin, making it easier to identify new or changing moles and supporting early detection of skin cancer.
Why this is more than manual mole checking:
Many clinics offer what they describe as “mole mapping”, but in practice this often refers to a manual visual examination of the skin, sometimes supported by handheld magnification. While this can be useful, it relies heavily on memory and subjective judgement, particularly when patients have many moles or attend infrequently.
FotoFinder mole mapping takes a fundamentally different approach. By creating a comprehensive photographic baseline of the skin, it allows clinicians to compare images over time rather than relying on recollection. Subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed can be identified more reliably, supporting safer and more informed clinical decisions.
Importantly, this technology does not replace medical expertise. Instead, it enhances it. At Berkshire Grove Hospital, mole mapping is performed by highly trained skin cancer nurses, with clinical oversight from Mr Kuen Yeow Chin, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Skin Cancer Lead at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. Any findings are interpreted within a robust clinical framework, ensuring patients receive clear, expert guidance.
Who benefits most from mole mapping?
Mole mapping is particularly suitable for individuals who:
Have multiple moles across different parts of the body
Have fair skin or skin that has experienced significant sun exposure
Have a personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
Have previously been diagnosed with a skin cancer
Find it difficult to monitor their moles themselves
Want reassurance through a structured, long-term approach to skin monitoring
For some patients, a single mole mapping appointment provides reassurance and clarity. For others, particularly those with higher risk factors, ongoing monitoring at regular intervals may be recommended. An initial appointment helps clinicians assess risk and advise whether follow-up imaging would be beneficial.
Why winter and the New Year are an ideal time…
Winter is an excellent time to assess your skin. Moles are often easier to examine when they have not been recently affected by sun exposure, and the cooler months provide an opportunity to establish a clear baseline before the spring and summer seasons.
The New Year is also a natural time to refocus on health. Just as people book health screenings or review lifestyle habits, mole mapping offers a proactive step towards long-term skin health. Having a baseline in place means that any future changes can be assessed with greater confidence.
A meaningful New Year’s gift:
Mole mapping can also be a thoughtful and meaningful gift for a partner or family member. For those who are difficult to buy for, a health-focused gift offers something genuinely valuable: expert care, reassurance, and time dedicated to wellbeing.
Appointments take place in the calm, discreet environment of Berkshire Grove Hospital, ensuring patients feel comfortable and well cared for throughout their visit.
A limited-time introductory offer:
To mark the introduction of advanced mole mapping with FotoFinder at Berkshire Grove Hospital, we are offering 20% off a first mole mapping appointment for a limited time.
This introductory offer is available until 31 January and is designed to give patients the opportunity to experience this advanced form of skin screening as part of their health planning for the year ahead.
What to expect from your appointment:
Mole mapping appointments typically last around 30 - 45 minutes. You will be guided through the process by a trained clinician, with privacy and comfort prioritised at every stage. If any mole requires closer assessment, this will be explained clearly, along with any recommended next steps.
Supporting your skin health with confidence…
At Berkshire Grove Hospital, our approach to care is centred on expertise, discretion, and patient confidence. Advanced mole mapping with FotoFinder reflects this philosophy, combining leading technology with consultant-led clinical oversight to support early detection and long-term skin health.
If you would like to find out more about mole mapping or book an appointment, our team will be happy to assist.
As always, thank you for trusting Berkshire Grove Hospital with your care. We look forward to supporting your health and wellbeing in the year ahead.
📍 Apex Skin Clinic at Berkshire Grove Hospital
Giving Our Patients the Luxury They Deserve.
Professionals who offer Mole Mapping at Berkshire Grove Hospital
Mr Kuen Yeow Chin
Laura O’Hare
Sarah Millward
Jackie Brighton
