Media Release

QEH introduces new service to support early detection of skin cancer

Communications Teamby
The QEH has launched a new Full Body Mole Mapping clinic, designed to help detect skin cancer earlier in people who are at higher risk. The clinic welcomed its first patient last month and is the first of its kind in the East Anglian region.

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. While it can be serious, it is often treatable when found early. The new service uses the FotoFinder® ATBM Master – an advanced imaging system that takes high-quality photographs of the skin and individual moles, allowing clinicians to track any changes over time.

The FotoFinder system is currently being piloted by Dr Boyana Pedersen, local skin MDT Lead Clinician and supported by Skin Cancer Specialist Nurse, Laura Shaw.

Dr Simina Stefanescu, Clinical Lead for Dermatology at The QEH said: “This new clinic offers a detailed way of monitoring high risk patients who are at increased danger of melanoma. By comparing images over time, we can spot small changes early and make more informed decisions about whether treatment is needed.”

Dr Pedersen explained: “The technology captures high quality images of the lesions on the whole body and dermoscopy pictures of individual suspicious moles, which we can then review at follow-up appointments. This helps us to have a consistent base to monitor skin health over time and catch the dangerous lesions in time to treat them surgically.”

CNS Laura Shaw added: “It is a great educational tool for both patients and health professionals. Not only does it help our understanding of early melanoma detection, but it can also provide a lot of reassurance to our high risk patients.”

The service is aimed at patients who are already under the care of the Dermatology team and meet specific medical criteria for closer monitoring as high risk.

Rebecca Martin, Medical Director at The QEH, commented: “We know how important early detection is when it comes to skin cancer. This service gives our patients access to the latest technology, helping us to monitor their skin more closely and act quickly when needed.”

The introduction of Full Body Mole Mapping at The QEH builds on the hospital’s wider efforts to improve cancer care and use technology to support earlier diagnosis.

Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.

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