Skin Mole Mapping – Videodermatoscopy (Canfield D200 Evo)

High-resolution skin imaging to monitor moles and detect early signs of atypical or malignant changes.

Skin Mole Mapping – Videodermatoscopy (Canfield D200 Evo)

Table of contents

Basic data

The Skin Mole Mapping examination uses videodermatoscopy — a high-resolution imaging technique that allows detailed visualization and documentation of pigmented skin lesions. Using the Canfield D200 Evo system, this test enables dermatologists to analyze the structure, color distribution, and symmetry of moles and identify early features suggesting atypia or malignant transformation.

The examination is non-invasive, quick, and provides a digital baseline for long-term monitoring of existing lesions. It is an essential component of skin cancer prevention programs, especially for individuals with multiple moles, fair skin, or a family history of melanoma.

Category: Imaging

Level: Intermediate

Usefulness: High

Level

Intermediate

This is an intermediate-level diagnostic, suitable for individuals who already perform routine health checkups and wish to include regular dermatological monitoring. It is particularly recommended for those with numerous moles, fair skin, or a history of sun exposure. While not as fundamental as blood or metabolic testing, it provides crucial preventive insights into skin health and oncologic risk.

Usefulness

High

Videodermatoscopy is a highly valuable tool for the early detection of melanoma and other skin abnormalities. It allows dermatologists to assess mole morphology with precision and monitor changes over time, significantly improving early cancer detection rates.
Early detection of skin cancer

Identifies early atypical or malignant transformations, enabling timely medical intervention and higher treatment success rates.

Precise long-term monitoring

Provides high-quality digital records for yearly comparisons, helping track subtle mole changes over time.

Non-invasive and safe

The procedure is painless and free of radiation, suitable for adults and children alike.

How it works

Videodermatoscopy combines optical magnification, polarized light, and digital image analysis to visualize subsurface pigment structures in the skin that are invisible to the naked eye.
Imaging process

The clinician captures magnified, high-resolution images of moles across body regions using the Canfield D200 Evo system, which provides up to 200x magnification and standardized lighting for diagnostic consistency.

Digital documentation

All mole images are stored in a database, allowing precise comparison during future follow-up examinations to identify any new or evolving lesions.

Measures

The test provides visual and morphological data on individual moles and overall skin condition.
Pigment structure and symmetry

Evaluation of color distribution, border regularity, and internal pigment network patterns.

Atypia indicators

Detection of dermatoscopic features that may suggest risk of malignant transformation.

Reliability

Videodermatoscopy is a validated dermatologic imaging method with high diagnostic sensitivity when performed by experienced clinicians using standardized devices.
Repeatability

High reproducibility when performed under similar lighting and magnification conditions, enabling accurate longitudinal monitoring.

Diagnostic accuracy

When combined with expert dermatologic interpretation, sensitivity for melanoma detection exceeds 90%.

Limitations

While highly informative, videodermatoscopy is a screening and monitoring tool — it does not replace histopathological examination when malignancy is suspected.
Requires expert interpretation

Diagnostic accuracy depends on clinician experience and quality of image acquisition.

Limited to visible lesions

The method cannot assess subdermal or systemic conditions and only applies to surface-visible skin changes.

Frequency

Suggested cadence

Once per year for individuals with multiple moles or higher melanoma risk; every 6 months if new or atypical lesions appear, or as advised by a dermatologist.

Cost

Typical costs

Approximately €100–200 depending on the clinic and number of lesions examined.

Availability

Where available

Offered by dermatology and longevity clinics equipped with Canfield or Fotofinder videodermatoscopy systems.

Preparation

How to prepare

Avoid applying makeup, sunscreen, or body lotion to the areas to be examined. Ensure good skin hygiene and bring previous imaging reports if available.

Interpretation

Results are presented as a dermatologic report summarizing mole characteristics and identifying any lesions requiring monitoring or removal.
No atypia

Indicates benign, symmetrical mole structures with no signs of malignancy. Annual follow-up is recommended.

Atypical features

Suggest the need for closer observation, shorter follow-up intervals, or biopsy if structural irregularities are observed.

Alternatives

Manual dermatoscopy

A simplified version using a handheld dermatoscope without digital recording — useful for single-lesion evaluation but lacks longitudinal tracking capability.

Total-body 3D skin imaging (Fotofinder ATBM)

An advanced full-body mapping system that provides 3D skin visualization and automated mole comparison over time.

FAQ

Is videodermatoscopy safe for frequent use?

Yes. The procedure is completely non-invasive, radiation-free, and suitable for regular annual or biannual monitoring.

Who should undergo mole mapping?

Anyone with numerous moles, fair skin, family history of melanoma, or high UV exposure should consider annual videodermatoscopic assessment.

Can this test detect all types of skin cancer?

It can identify suspicious pigmented lesions but cannot replace biopsy or histopathological confirmation when malignancy is suspected.