Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers world wide. Melanoma (''black skin cancer'') is one of the most dangerous cancer types and leads to thousands of deaths per year. Early detection of skin cancer is the best way to cure and survive. A melanoma starts as a small spot on your skin, grows over the course of time and finally spreads the cancer cells to other organs in your body. If it is early detected by your physician, it can be excised before it starts spreading and the cure rate is over 95%. Most important is the detection of new moles and the detection of changes in existing moles. Your physician sees probably thousands of moles per year and can of course not remember how yours looked like six month ago. Therefore it is important to have a photo documentation system which allows accurate tracking of moles.

If any of the following questions apply to you, have your moles checked by your physician:

• Do you have multiple moles (more than 50)?
• Is there a history of skin cancer in your family?
• Did you have already a melanoma?
• Do you have large moles (diameter more than 2 inches)? 
• Have you noticed any changes in your moles?
• Have you noticed any new mole on your body?
• Did you have sunburns during childhood or adolescence?
• Do you have very light skin?

FotoFinder is a computerized mole mapping system which allows your physician to create an accurate set of photos of your moles. The high resolution camera is connected to a computer and transfers all photos immediately to the doctor's database. Your doctor is therefore able to compare your moles with photos from your initial visit and find immediately new or changed moles on your body. You can also get a copy of your photos on CD for self examination at home. For the first time patients with multiple moles can feel safe that no changed or new mole will be missed.

The ABCDE rule helps you to recognize suspicious moles. Moles which show one or more of the signs below have to be treated with utmost attention and should be observed by your physician!

• A for Asymmetry
• B for irregular, blurred or jagged Borders
• C for Colour variation
• D for Diameter larger than ¼ inch 
• E for Elevation especially when uneven

Regular mole checks by your physician are highly recommended.

To find a physician in your area who offers mole mapping please feel free to email to info[at]fotofinder-systems.com.