Patients always ask us: How do you know which spots to pay attention to during a skin exam? Why that spot but not that one?
Of course, it has to do with experience, but we also use a tool called a dermatoscope. Siperstein Dermatology Group now has full-body photography with artificial intelligence coming soon to identify changes in the skin. Technology in medicine is truly a beautiful thing!
DermaGraphix® Mole Mapping & Full-Body Photography
DermaGraphix® mole mapping and tracking analysis uses a high-resolution professional camera and advanced software to map a patient’s entire skin surface, creating a photographic baseline of all of his or her moles. Using this digital mole map, dermatologists at Siperstein Dermatology Group can more easily spot new moles and moles that are rapidly changing –one of the possible signs of melanoma.
Mole Mapping is used in most of the melanoma clinics in university hospitals and cancer centers to capture baseline images of moles in high-risk patients. However, usually the physician is in charge of tracking of these moles during each visit to determine which moles are new and which may have changed.
Now, in addition to the trained eye of the dermatologist, we will have the technology to use artificial intelligence to track these subtle changes. The powerful DermaGraphix® system, which is in use at Sloan-Kettering, is now only available at a few private practices in the United States. In fact, Siperstein Dermatology is the only private practice in Florida, and actually the entire Southeast, that will be able to employ artificial intelligence to be able to track changes to patients’ moles.
“Melanoma, when found early, is curable. However, if detection is delayed, it can be fatal,” said Robyn Siperstein, MD founder of Siperstein Dermatology Group. “Baseline mole-mapping and AI analysis not only helps to detect melanoma much earlier, but has also been found in studies to reduce the number of biopsies needed.”
The doctors at Siperstein Dermatology Group are excited to use this technology to continue to take great care of their patients and save lives.
We sat down with the Board-Certified Dermatologists at Siperstein Dermatology group to answer some common question about this state-of-the-art technology.
What Is Dermoscopy?
Dermoscopy is the examination of the skin using a surface microscope to identify patterns that exist in skin cancer, especially melanomas. A dermatoscope is a handheld device, similar to a small flashlight with a magnifying glass, that your dermatologist can use during your full body skin check. A dermatoscope is used to analyze your skin lesions, helping to identify skin cancer as early as possible, when it is most easily cured.
Who Can Benefit From Dermoscopy?
Everyone! Everyone has moles, and dermoscopy is especially useful for these lesions. It’s also beneficial in people with a history of any kind of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. As mentioned, when in skilled hands, dermoscopy can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stage, which is paramount to treatment and good prognosis.
Dermoscopy also helps us more easily identify benign skin lesions, which reduces the number of skin biopsies that we have to perform during your full body skin check.
Is This A Special Exam, Or Part Of My Regular Skin Check?
This is part of your regular skin exam! We have our dermatoscopes with us in our pockets ready to use when we see every patient. During your skin check, we use it to further examine any skin lesion that seems suspicious. It takes no additional time and is a wonderful tool to add an extra level of thoroughness to your exam.
How Can I Benefit From DermaGraphix® Mole Mapping?
We are the first practice in Florida to incorporate the Dermagraphix® system into our practice. Total Body Photography is a series of pictures capturing the entire surface of the skin to document all of your moles. Our dermatologists use the pictures at your subsequent examinations to identify any change in the size, color, or shape of your lesions or document new lesions. It also allows us to incorporate dermoscopy to capture magnified images of these lesions.
Additionally, in the coming months, it will utilize artificial intelligence to identify changes in your skin between sets of photographs, which is extremely important in recognizing melanoma as early as possible. We are very excited about this new technology and are thrilled to have added a new device that will help us take even better care of our patients!
Where Is DermaGraphix® Available In South Florida?
Siperstein Dermatology Group, located conveniently in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, has always been on the forefront of medical technology. We pride ourselves on always having the most up-to-date systems and technology to help our patients.
Our dermatology practice is comprised of 11 board certified dermatologists, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, three physicians’ assistants and three laser technicians. With specialists in all areas of dermatology, including medical, surgical, and cosmetic, we strive to deliver the highest level of care for a wide range of dermatological services.
Siperstein Dermatology offers thorough skin checks for early skin cancer detection, skin cancer treatment with Mohs surgery, and plastic surgery closures. We treat all skin conditions and offer a full array of cosmetic treatments, including four state-of-the-art lasers. Call today for an appointment at (561) 364-7774 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.
