Screening examinations with state-of-the-art technology
Caught early, skin cancer is treatable. For this reason, we put all our efforts into developing imaging systems which help to discover skin cancer as early as possible. With FotoFinder state-of-the-art technology, your doctor has your skin in focus at all times – thanks to long-term, regular monitoring of individual moles and the skin as a whole. Once pictures have been taken, they can be compared with new images time and time again. Minute changes are immediately evident and can be diagnosed early! In addition, FotoFinder technology is also employed in aesthetics. Optimal treatment is based on advanced analysis, computer-assisted analysis of the face in terms of different criteria. Following the treatment, the success is evident in the documentation. This builds patient confidence in the treatment!
State-of-the-art diagnostics for skin
The times in which the dermatologist examines individual moles or the scalp with the naked eye or a magnifying glass are over. The use of computer-assisted examination methods has become standard. The latest FotoFinder procedure provides double safety in skin cancer prevention and fewer unnecessary operations:
Why should I get checked?
Over 200,000 new patients are diagnosed with skin cancer in Germany every year. It is the most common form of cancer. The good news: skin cancer is both easy to identify and – in the early stages – easy to treat. Early detection minimizes the severity of the disease. For this reason, early detection and treatment are important in preventing noticeable problems or even disfigurement. For this reason, you should let a doctor check you regularly!
What causes skin cancer?
The UV radiation emitted by the sun and in solariums plays a decisive role in the development of skin cancer. The trigger for the development of skin cancer as a result of UV exposure is damage to our genetic material, our DNA. If the damage to the DNA in the cells cannot be completely repaired, these cells can mutate into the original cells for a tumor.
What types of skin cancers are there?
We generally differentiate between two types of skin cancer:
1. Malignant melanoma: Melanomas can develop on existing liver spots (nevi) or in previously healthy skin. Malignant melanomas often metastasize (spread) and as such it is the most dangerous type of skin tumor
2. Basal-cell carcinoma: Basal-cell carcinoma is the most common form of malignant skin tumor. Most all basal-cell carcinomas are caused by intensive exposure to the sun over many years. Consequently, they often develop in people who work outside or are intensively exposed to UV radiation in their leisure time. People with pale skin, blond or red hair and blue, green or gray eyes also have a higher risk of being affected.
Am I a risk patient?
If you answer “YES” to any of the questions, ask your dermatologist!
• Are you a light skin type that is sensitive to the sun?
• Do you have a lot of pigmentation marks?
• Do you have large congenital pigmentation marks?
• Do you have atypical birthmarks or those that have recently changed?
• Did you have sunburn as a child or teenager?
• Have there been cases of skin cancer in your family?
• Have you already developed skin cancer yourself?
• Are you regularly exposed to strong sunlight?
What are typical alarms of skin cancer?
Changes in moles can be an indication of skin cancer. Therefore, observe your moles for the following criteria:
• Color changes (e.g. lighter, darker, new colors)
• Change in size or thickness
• changes in the environment of moles (e.g. redness, whitening, swelling)
• New birthmarks
• Bleeding moles
How can I examine moles myself?
Regularly examine your moles and any wounds that do not heal over a period of four weeks. Pay attention to changes using the ABCDE rule:
A = Asymmetry: uneven, asymmetric shape
B = Limitation: irregular edges
C = Coloration: different colors
D = Diameter: larger than 5 mm
E = Development: Change in the last three months
If your skin changes, make an appointment with a dermatologist!
How does an examination with FotoFinder go at the Stratford Dermatherapy Clinic?
In computer-assisted video dermoscopy or video incident light microscopy with the FotoFinder system, one or more overview images of the skin area with the atypical birthmark are taken with a high-resolution special camera. Then the birthmark is enlarged with the camera and digitally stored. Conspicuous liver spots are compared with previous skin findings in regular check-ups and analysed for malignancy. Even small changes can be detected with this procedure and help to avoid unnecessary operations. Only with the help of computer-assisted follow-up images can birthmarks that change be diagnosed early!
How much does an examination with FotoFinder costs?
In computer-assisted video dermoscopy or video incident light microscopy with the FotoFinder system, one or more overview images of the skin area with the atypical birthmark are taken with a high-resolution special camera. Then the birthmark is enlarged with the camera and digitally stored. Conspicuous liver spots are compared with previous skin findings in regular check-ups and analysed for malignancy. Even small changes can be detected with this procedure and help to avoid unnecessary operations. Only with the help of computer-assisted follow-up images can birthmarks that change be diagnosed early!
COST: Consultation, mole examination and storage of data £150.00
