Front line in the war against skin cancers in Manchester, Exeter, Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Cheshire

Government figures show malignant melanoma is the UK's fastest growing cancer, with rates tripling in the three decades to 2003, the latest year for which national statistics are held.

British Association of Dermatology (BAD) say that since 2003 the rise in skin cancer cases has been even higher. The latest research shows that in Cornwall there has been an increase of 18 per cent in the number of cases between 2003 and 2005.

Researchers say the West Country is particularly vulnerable to skin cancer as its naturally fair-skinned population struggles to cope with increasingly hot summers.

But experts are warning that the rise is likely to be echoed in other parts of the UK as more Britons take to al fresco living as soon as the sun shines.

Already, there are more deaths from malignant melanoma in Britain, with 1,800 fatalities and thousands more diagnoses every year, than in Australia, where there are about 1,000 deaths annually.

Moles

Moles, known medically as nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that often appear as small, dark brown spots. However, moles can come in a range of colors and can develop virtually anywhere on your body.

Most moles are harmless, but in rare cases, moles may become cancerous. Monitoring moles and other pigmented patches is an important step in detecting skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma. Not all melanomas develop from pre-existing moles, but many begin in or near a mole or other dark spot on the skin.

Causes

Melanin is a natural pigment that gives your skin its color. It's produced in cells called melanocytes, either in the top layer of the skin (epidermis) or the outer layers of the skin's second layer (dermis). Melanin is then transported to the surface cells of your skin. Normally, melanin is distributed evenly, but sometimes melanocytes grow together in a cluster, giving rise to moles.

Scientists don't know why moles develop or what purpose they serve, if any, although they do appear to be determined before birth. Most moles are harmless and don't require special care, but some people have unusual-looking moles, called dysplastic nevi, which are more likely to turn cancerous than ordinary moles are.

Risk factors

Several types of moles have a higher than average risk of becoming cancerous. They include:

• Large moles present at birth. Large moles that are present at birth are called congenital nevi or giant hairy nevi. These moles may increase your risk of malignant melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. In general, moles that are more than the size of a closed fist pose the greatest risk. Have your doctor examine any mole that was present at birth and is fist-sized or larger.
• Moles that run in families. Moles that are larger than average — which is about 1/4 inch (6 millimeters), or the diameter of a pencil eraser — and irregular in shape are known as atypical (dysplastic) nevi. These moles tend to be hereditary. They're frequently described as looking like fried eggs because they usually have dark brown centers and lighter, uneven borders. Overall, they may look red or tan. If you have dysplastic nevi, you have a greater risk of developing malignant melanoma.
• Numerous moles. If you have many moles — 50 or more — you are at a greater risk of developing melanoma.

 

The key signals are:

• Is an existing mole or dark patch getting larger or a new one growing?
• Does it have ragged outline? Ordinary moles are a smooth, regular shape.
• Does it have a mixture of different shades of brown or black? Ordinary moles may be dark brown but are usually all one shade.

How does Mole scanner work?

• Images of Mole Scanner - Click to enlarge

  When the scanner illuminates the skin, some of the light is reflected and scattered from the surface. The remainder is transmitted into the top layers of the skin.

  Varying fractions of the incoming light are then firstly absorbed by the melanin in the epidermis before entering the dermis, where they are absorbed by the haemoglobin in the blood vessels. Scattering also occurs in the dermis when the light interacts with the collagen, resulting in a portion of the light being remitted back to the surface.

  By interpreting the combination of wavelengths that are received back by the scanner; is then able to produce scans; these are generated by referring to its proprietary mathematical model of skin optics. Mole Scanner is then able to present the user with the generated SIAscans for interpretation by the medical professional

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About Mole Scanner

A non-invasive and pain-free melanoma screening device, will enables to scan and evaluate suspicious lesions within seconds and make instant clinical decisions 'on the spot'.

Scanning software developed in Cambridge utilises the clinically proven Hunter Scoring System, along with an easy-to-use decision support system, to provide clear guidelines on how to assess a suspect mole against a database of examples.

Mole scanner makes it possible to identify the best course of action for an unusual mole.
Whether it be to refer, excise or provide reassurance - during the first consultation with a patient.

Mole scanner features a magnified dermoscopic view with dermoscopy and also the complete imaging suite: haemoglobin, melanin, dermal melanin and collagen up to 2mm beneath the surface of the skin.

Many innocent moles are being referred, causing a great deal of stress and worry to the patient. Mole scanner reduces unnecessary excisions, and a reduction in the amount of time dermatologists had available for treating confirmed melanoma patients.

Mole scanner is a new system specifically used to scan suspicious moles so that can offer a screening service in situ.

Melanoma

Melanoma, one of the most treatable of cancers if caught in time, kills over 1,700 people in the UK needlessly every year. Increasing awareness among the general public, driven by Cancer Research's annual SunSmart campaign, has led to a significant increase in referrals of suspect moles to dermatologists.

Mole scanner scans could significantly increase the number of melanomas referred early for the treatment of positive melanoma lesions. At the same time, Mole scanner could provide an invaluable role in reassuring and advising patients on the best course of action following an instant scan, rather than having to wait for an appointment with a dermatology consultant or for the results of an excision.

Mole scanner is clear and simple to use producing high quality images to aid in clinical diagnosis and also provides great reassurance to patients.

Mole scanner consists of a hand held scanner and software that uses patented skin imaging technology that scans and visualises haemoglobin, melanin, dermal melanin and collagen up to 2mm beneath the surface of the skin. The Hunter Scoring System, developed by Miss Jude Hunter in conjunction with GP practices and Cambridge University Teaching hospital, aids the detection of many types of suspicious lesions during the early stages of their development. Mole scanner produces a patient report that includes the patient's SIAscans together with data required for referral, or for the patient to take home.