Pigmented Lesion Clinic
Pigmented Lesion Clinic
To schedule an appointment, call: 858-657-8322
Pigmented Lesion Clinic
The UCSD Dermatology group has established a Pigmented Lesion Clinic in San Diego – the only such program in the Southern California area. The program includes a mole mapping clinic and use of digital dermoscopy techniques. Dermatology patients which are considered at high risk for melanoma may be referred this specific clinic.
The Pigmented Lesion clinic is directed by Anna Di Nardo M.D., Ph.D., who has more than 10 years of experience in reading digital images of moles, use of the dermatoscope and specialty training at University of Modena Medical School Modena, Italy, recognized worldwide in this specialty.
Monitoring of pigmented lesions by digital body mapping:
The term mole mapping refers to the surveillance of pigmented lesions (moles) for patients at high risk of malignant melanoma. It may include a clinical skin examination and use of a dermatoscope to identify and evaluate lesions of concern.
Mole mapping comprises of the digital images of the whole body's skin surface. These images can be reviewed at later recurring dates to identify new skin lesions, or whether pre-existing skin lesions have grown or changed in color or shape.
The patient will be asked to at least remove outer clothing, and should let the staff know if they feel uncomfortable, especially if there are lesions of concern hidden near under garments. Make-up, nail polish and jewelry should be completely removed prior and long hair should be tied up.
The patient will be provided with a CD of their body map for use in return visits and comparison. The cost of the body mapping procedure is generally not covered by normal health care insurance programs, and as such must be covered by the patient at time of service.
Who should visit the Pigmented Lesion Clinic?
It is particularly useful for individuals who have:
• High number of moles (50 to 100+)
• Dysplastic or atypical moles, large or unusual color(s) or shapes
• Moles on the back, which may be difficult to view
• Previous history of melanoma
• Strong family history of melanoma
• Moles and fair skin that has been severely sunburned
• Concerns about individual moles due to recent change
Dr. Di Nardo sees patients at the Pigmented Lesion Clinic weekly. The time allotted for these types of office visits is longer than a usual dermatology visit and should therefore be specifically requested when making an appointment.
If you or your Dermatologist, feel you would benefit from the mole mapping service, you can call to make an appointment for the mole mapping service only (without a previous appointment at the pigmented lesion clinic).
For an appointment at the Pigmented Lesion Clinic or Mole Mapping session, please call UCSD Dermatology at: (858) 657-8322
Dr. Di Nardo sees patients at her pigmented lesion clinic weekly, including follow ups based on the mole mapping images and digital dermoscopy. The time allotted for these types of office visits is longer than a usual dermatology visit and should therefore be specifically requested when making an appointment.
If you already have a dermatologist, it is perfectly fine for you to only make an appointment for the mole mapping service only (without a previous appointment at the pigmented lesion clinic).
(Dr. Di Nardo shows the process of mole mapping)
San Diego-based skin care line SkinMedica, Inc. has provided a generous philanthropic donation to help launch this new skin cancer screening at UCSD.
