Moles / Skin cancer screening

have them checked regularly and prevent skin cancer

They can occur on any part of the body, take on different shapes and colours and are different in size: the small, mostly brown, spots and elevations on the skin are colloquially referred to as moles or liver spots.

As a rule they are completely harmless but may affect the patient’s aesthetic appearance.  This article will provide you in a nutshell with information on why moles should be checked periodically, how dangerous they actually are, and what removal options you can consider.

Regular mole checks are one of the most important measures for the early detection of skin cancer. At our medical centre in Vienna, we use Deviskan, the latest generation of technology for digital skin cancer screening.

By combining whole-body mapping, artificial intelligence and automated digital dermoscopy, Deviskan enables us to document and identify new moles as well as even very small changes in existing skin lesions.

As the first medical practice in Austria to offer this innovative technology, we provide our patients with a new generation of digital mole checks and skin cancer screening.

 

This post will cover:

• What moles are and when do they occur?

• What causes moles?

• How dangerous can moles be?

• How is modern skin cancer screening done?

• How is artificial intelligence used in skin cancer screening?

• When should a mole be removed?

• What forms of moles are there?

• How can moles be removed?

• Are moles and skin cancer screening related?

• Are mole checks using dermoscopy and full-body scanners the same everywhere?

• Can I Access My Skin Images?

• I have been diagnosed with melanoma – what now?

• Range of sevices offered in our Vienna surgery

 

What are moles and how do they develop?

Moles can appear at birth or later in life. Hereditary factors, the extent and intensity of solar radiation and skin type are causally involved in their development. Moles are a collection of pigment-forming nevus cells that rise from the deeper layers of the skin and multiply in the upper layers. As a rule, they are not dangerous, yet they can lead to alternations or degeneration of the skin and melanoma can develop that can triggers other skin cancers.

Periodic examinations, which we carry out in our practice in Vienna, are critical for early diagnosis.  

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What causes moles?

Their appearance is not due to a single factor. If they are commonly present in the direct family (parents, grandparents), then probability of occurrence increases.

Skin type plays a major role. Generally speaking, the lighter the skin, the higher the number of moles. In people with dark skin, they usually occur in a smaller number.

Melanin is an important factor in the development of moles and contributes significantly to the dark colouring of the skin.

How dangerous are moles?

One associates moles with skin cancer. Currently, the number of people suffering from skin cancer is increasing in Austria. Recognised early, skin cancer is easily curable. As the disease can also affect younger patients, periodic mole control or skin cancer screening is also recommended for this age group. There are certain danger signs that should be observed. For the first self-examination, you can follow the ABCDE rule:

• Asymmetric changes
• Boundaries that are irregular
• Colour, not uniform pigmentation
• Diameter more than 5 mm
• Elevation

 The above is used as an initial tool to identify suspicious moles. A medical consultation is required if at least two of the five points apply.

How is skin cancer screening done?

Skin cancer prevention and early detection are a major focus of our dermatology services. For this reason, our medical centre uses the latest generation of digital mole mapping with the Deviskan system. We are proud to be the first medical practice in Austria to offer this innovative technology.

Using advanced whole-body mapping and integrated digital dermoscopy, Deviskan captures the entire skin surface in high resolution during a single examination.

Unlike previous systems, artificial intelligence enables virtually all visible moles to be automatically detected and additionally documented in dermoscopic quality.

With earlier technologies, technical and time limitations generally meant that only selected suspicious moles could be recorded at high dermoscopic resolution. Deviskan makes it possible to create an almost complete digital record of relevant skin lesions — a true whole-body skin scan.

This allows us to monitor virtually all visible moles over time and identify changes at an early stage.

Images are stored and automatically compared with previous examinations during follow-up appointments. New moles can be detected, existing lesions can be precisely monitored, and even very small changes can be made visible.

We were convinced by the potential of this technology and therefore made it a priority to bring Deviskan to Vienna and make this advanced form of digital skin cancer screening available to our patients

Based on your individual mole status, we recommend a control schedule that is tailored to you. This can be a period of 2 years until the next appointment, but in some cases - especially with cancer follow-up care - it may be necessary every 3 months. Only with the help of the computer-aided follow-up images created during these check-ups can moles that change be diagnosed early and reliably.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Is Artificial Intelligence Used in Skin Cancer Screening?

Artificial intelligence can support modern skin cancer screening and mole monitoring, but it never replaces assessment by a dermatologist.

One of the strengths of this technology is its ability to systematically analyse the skin surface and objectively document changes over time.

With Deviskan, virtually all visible moles can be automatically identified and digitally documented.

AI helps to:

• Identify new moles at an early stage
• Reliably recognise previously documented moles
• Visualise changes over time
• Highlight suspicious skin lesions for further assessment

For people with a large number of moles in particular, AI-assisted documentation can enable considerably more precise longitudinal monitoring than manual documentation alone.

The final diagnosis and all treatment decisions are, of course, always made by our experienced dermatologists.

When do you have to have a mole removed?

As long as a birthmark is not conspicuous, treatment is not required. If it is not clear in the course of an examination whether it is benign or malignant then it should be removed and examined histologically to be sure. Most moles are however removed for aesthetic reasons, especially if they are on the face or other visible areas.

Which types of moles are there?

Moles occur in different forms. It is good to know these in order to respond to changes in a timely manner. The classic forms are:

• Congenital moles (congenital nevus): they are, as the name says, already present at birth. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colours, and usually become visible in the first year of life. For them, the risk is slightly higher than for the moles which appears later in life. Hairy moles should be watched closely. Statistically there is an increased risk when the mole is larger than one centimetre in diameter.
• Common birthmark (nevus) are single coloured and regularly limited. Almost all people have these moles. In Northern Europe an average person has about 30 to 40.
• Elevated mole (papillomatous nevus): This type of mole looks rather scary, sometimes hair grows out of it. It is single-colored and represents a rather cosmetic problem because of the rough, somewhat raised surface and the hair.
• Unusual birthmark (atypical or dysplastic nevus): The appearance is close to the malignant melanoma. It has a diameter of more than 5 mm, has different colours with a frayed edge, flat or raised. When such moles occur, a dermatologist should be consulted urgently as the risk of getting melanoma is higher.
• Blue birthmark (blue nevus): The birthmark is gray-blue in colour, flat or elevated. The colour is created by refraction. The actual birthmark is located in deeper skin layers. This type of birthmark can change and should be kept under observation.

Do not take any risks

If you notice unusual moles; especially those that grow fast, an examination is strongly recommended. You are welcome to make an appointment at our practice. Book an appointment.

How are moles removed?

Whether the removal of a mole is recommended and how it should be done, will be discussed with you after a thorough examination. All removed moles are examined histologically by a Pathologist (this may take several weeks) to exclude any risk. The surgical removal itself is done under local anaesthesia and is painless. What is important to us is the cosmetically demanding removal of all skin lesions and the avoidance of unsightly scarring. In certain moles (for example, papillomatomatous nevi or fibroids), removal can be gentle with the high-efficiency Erbium laser or cautery (electricity).

How are moles and skin cancers related?

Cancers of the skin are grouped under the name "skin cancer". Two types can be distinguished:

• White skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis): they form virtually no metastases.

• Black skin cancer (malignant melanoma): metastasises already in the early phase and changes can hardly be detected by visual observation alone.

It should be pointed out again that intensive sun exposure and insufficient sun protection contribute to the development of moles and white and black skin cancer.

How can actinic keratosis or chronic photodamage be treated?

Actinic keratoses are white skin cancer precursors and develop after chronic light damage. Treatment is important because the precursors can develop over a period of months or years to skin cancer. In our practice, we can remove these precursors with the latest high-efficiency precision laser, the Erbium laser. Other options to treat these precursors include liquid nitrogen or curettage. Another option is the daylight PDT in which a medical cream, combined with sunshine, triggers a chemical reaction which leads to the rejection of altered cells. With this therapy larger areas can be treated effectively and painlessly.

Regular mole / skin cancer screening is especially important. The earlier a disease is detected, the better the chances of recovery.

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Are mole checks using dermoscopy and full-body scanners the same everywhere?

 

No. Modern digital mole checks and skin cancer screening systems use very different technologies.

Earlier whole-body scanners represented an important advance because they made it possible to document the entire skin surface. However, dermoscopic examination and longitudinal monitoring were generally limited to selected suspicious moles.

Deviskan represents a new generation of digital skin cancer screening. The system combines whole-body mapping, artificial intelligence and automated digital dermoscopy within a single examination.

The key difference is that documentation is not limited to a small number of selected moles. Instead, virtually all visible moles can additionally be captured in dermoscopic quality.

This enables significantly more precise monitoring over time. New moles can be detected automatically, while previously documented skin lesions can be objectively compared over a period of years.

We consider this technology an important advancement in the early detection of skin cancer. This is why we chose Deviskan and became the first medical practice in Austria to introduce this innovative technology.

I Am Already a Patient and Previously Had FotoFinder Skin Cancer Screening. What Does the Switch to Deviskan Mean for Me?

There is no need to worry: your previous examinations and images will continue to be retained and remain available for your future care.

We continue to have our FotoFinder systems and can therefore compare existing follow-up documentation and closely monitored moles with your previous images whenever necessary.

With the introduction of Deviskan, you additionally benefit from the latest possibilities in digital skin cancer screening. Future examinations can be performed using Deviskan technology.

This means that previously identified and monitored moles can continue to be followed while virtually all visible moles can simultaneously be documented at high resolution and compared over time.

For you, this means that your previous documentation is not lost. Instead, it is meaningfully complemented by the new technology, allowing both previously identified skin lesions and newly developed moles to be monitored precisely over the long term.

Our aim is to make optimal use of the advantages of both systems and provide you with the best possible skin cancer screening and long-term mole monitoring.

Can I Access My Skin Images?

Image documentation is performed using the Deviskan system by Dermavision.

After your examination, your images are also made available through secure online access (on demand). The images are stored and accessed using a secure, GDPR-compliant cloud solution.

This means that you can view your own skin images whenever you wish.

Benefits of Deviskan for Digital Mole Mapping

• State-of-the-art digital skin cancer screening
• Whole-body mapping of the skin surface
• Automatic detection of new moles
• Documentation of virtually all visible moles in dermoscopic quality
• AI-assisted monitoring over time
• Early detection of even very small changes
• Painless and non-invasive examination
• Secure online access to your images
• Individual skin cancer risk assessment by experienced dermatologists

 

I have been diagnosed with melanoma – what now?

The next steps depend on the stage of your tumor, particularly the tumor thickness. Immediately after the diagnosis, your treating physician will inform you whether further excision, imaging, blood tests, or a lymph node biopsy are necessary. Based on this, a personalized follow-up plan will be created for you.

For patients at higher risk, a full-body screening using the Deviskan (a total body mapping system) is strongly recommended. This advanced technology is available at our clinic at Vienna Central Station.

In addition to the required skin cancer screenings, we also offer blood tests (tumor markers) and lymph node ultrasounds directly at our practice. Dr. Schreiber and Dr. Hauser have years of experience from leading cancer centers in Germany and are fully up to date with the latest medical standards.

We can often perform follow-up excisions (re-excisions) directly in our in-house procedure rooms without long waiting times. If you have recently received a diagnosis, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you and guide you through the next steps.

 

Our range of services for skin cancer screening and mole control includes:

• Information and advice on skin type and personal sunscreen needs.
• Clinical examination with state-of-the-art instruments: dermatoscope, digital dermatoscope, Foto-Finder® including the Bodyscanner (documentation in chronological order)
• Removal of moles and other benign or malignant lesions by gentle laser or cosmetic surgery.
• Surface treatment of skin cancer precursors using Daylight PDT and laser.

 

Dr. Christina Hauser and Dr. Antonia Schreiber have both worked in tumor centers and are trained in performing lymph node ultrasound. Lymph node ultrasound is recommended in follow-up guidelines for patients with melanomas of greater depth.

 

FAQ – Moles & Skin Cancer Screening

Here you will find answers to the most important questions about moles, skin cancer risk factors, and the latest methods for early detection of suspicious changes.

You are welcome to make an appointment for a first consultation in our practice in Vienna.Book an appointment.