A new clinic which aims to improve detection of cancerous moles has opened at Cork University Hospital (CUH).
The new mole mapping clinic, which has been introduced as part of the melanoma service in CUH, is the first of its kind in the region.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which It affects the cells that produce the pigment that colours the skin, hair and the iris of the eyes. Although not a common skin cancer, cases of malignant melanoma are increasing faster than any other cancer. According to statistics from the National Canver Registry of Ireland, 598 cases of melanoma were diagnosed in 2005 compared to 459 cases in 2001.
The new clinic includes a €22,000 system for video dermoscopy and clinical image documentation with sophisticated mole mapping features. The system can be used to capture clinical pictures which cover all dimensions of skin cancer detections.
"The clinic offers a complete skin check and individual mole mapping examination. This mole screening for melanoma skin cancer and computerised mole mapping can help identify melanoma early thus improving survival rates. Through this screening, early diagnostic and treatment of melanoma skin cancer will be improved with this new service," said Katrina Fogarty, clinical nurse specialist at CUH.
