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Mole Mapping - Dublin & throughout Ireland Moles are incredibly common skin features, and the vast majority of moles are completely harmless. Ranging from beauty marks to large “birthmarks,” nevi - the medical term for moles - are typically a normal part of the skin present from early childhood. However, moles can sometimes be an indication of an underlying problem. In fact, certain types of moles may be a sign of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Ireland has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in Europe, and data from 2017 indicates that melanoma cases are on the rise, according to the National Cancer Registry Ireland. Like all types of cancer, early detection is crucial to the effective treatment of melanoma. For this reason, it is vital to have your skin checked by a dermatologist. These skin specialists can perform mole mapping, which is invaluable for cataloguing and tracking your moles and other skin characteristics and engage in mole removal when necessary. What is Mole Mapping? Much like a map of terrain records geographic features, mole mapping involves logging your skin features. Your dermatologist will perform a visual inspection of your skin and record the location, size, colour, shape, and other descriptions of your moles and any other lesions. You may very well have no suspicious or concerning moles. However, mole mapping is also essential for future surveillance. Unchanging moles are low-risk for melanoma, yet moles that are new, growing, or shifting in size, shape, or colour may require further investigation. Your dermatologist may want to check your moles using dermoscopy, a specialized skin microscope. They may also decide to take a skin biopsy - a simple and largely painless procedure that can be accomplished in the clinic - to have your mole analysed by a pathologist. What is Involved in Mole Mapping? Mole mapping is straightforward. Your dermatologist will ask you to undress and will survey your skin. They will mark all your moles on a chart and list their characteristics. They may also take close-up photographs of your skin for comparison to future examinations. As stated above, your dermatologist may elect to perform dermoscopy or skin biopsies as necessary. Who Should Undergo Mole Mapping? Really, anyone can benefit from mole mapping. In particular, patients with many moles should certainly consider mole mapping. Speak with a dermatologist if you have questions or concerns. You should also be aware of the risk factors for melanoma. These factors include: Fair or light-coloured skin Frequent exposure to sunlight A history of frequent sunburns Numerous moles, especially moles that are unusual or irregular in appearance A family history of melanoma Melanoma has excellent survival rates, but only when the disease is caught in its early stages. If melanoma is detected late, the chances of survival can decrease significantly. Therefore, it is paramount to have regular skin surveillance, especially if you have one or more risk factors for melanoma. Make certain that you have a dermatologist examine your skin and undergo mole mapping if your dermatologist recommends it. Mole mapping is a brief, non-invasive procedure that could possibly save your life.

If you decide to go privately, you can book with the hospital listed. You can either book and pay the provider later, book and pay a deposit online now directly to the hospital or book and pay in full online now. The provider will then be in contact with you directly to make an early appointment with one of their consultants. Once he/she has seen you they will advise as to the timing of any surgery. The surgery price shown includes - All medical and professional costs during your inpatient stay - A consultation before your operation and after your operation - Semi private accommodation A GP referral letter is required when you attend to see a consultant.

If you decide to go privately, you can book on our website by directly paying the hospital listed. You need only pay the hospital their deposit at this stage. They will then be in contact with you directly to make an early appointment with one of their consultants. Once he/she has seen you they will advise as to the timing of any surgery. The surgery price shown includes - All medical and professional costs during your inpatient stay - A consultation before your operation and after your operation - Semi private accommodation A GP referral letter is required when you attend to see a consultant.

Non-invasive prenatal testing (Nipt) analyses cell-free fetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood. It is a screening test for Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and other conditions such as Edward’s syndrome and Patau syndrome (trisomies 18 and 13), as well as X and Y chromosome conditions. This blood test must be performed in conjunction with a dating ultrasound. In addition to this the fetus’s sex can be determined with >99% accuracy. Accuracy for detecting other sex chromosome anomalies varies by condition. More importantly, the number of women who are required to have invasive testing (amniocentesis or CVS) after undergoing NIPT is