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Performing an ‘assisted self-mole check’ at home with your home-dermatoscope

In this section, we will discuss the types of images you need to take for the skin lesions you wish to submit for medical assessment and how to capture them. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of providing good-quality images for medical evaluation. Please read our refund policy concerning inadequate images.

For each skin lesion you want to submit for medical analysis, along with the relevant medical history, you need to provide three sets of images:

  1. Regional image: A photo showing the body part where the mole is located, capturing its wider surroundings.
  2. Close-up image: A close-up photo of the specific skin lesion, covering roughly a palm-sized area.
  3. Dermatoscopic image: A photo taken with a home dermatoscopic camera adapter.
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Your Assistant in Action

Previously, we explained why a self-mole check should be aided by a trusted family member or friend. The person who assists you with your self-mole check process will perform the following steps. Your assistant must have a solid understanding of the process to ensure the subsequent steps are executed with high quality.

Taking Images

Read the following guidance in the context of ‘assisted self-mole check’ so your helper takes the images of your moles. Stand still while they are capturing the images.

Complete the assisted self-mole check

  1. Follow the examination order explained earlier and available for download using the link below.
    Download the guide to perform an assisted mole check. Adhere to the order and instructions provided.

  2. Identify odd, ugly duckling or changing lesions based on the criteria detailed earlier, but you can also download a summary using the link below.
    Download the guide on identifying odd lesions for submission to a medical assessment (maximum of 5 moles).

  3. Mark the selected moles in the order of examination with numbers on a sticker or with a pen on the skin (not closer than 1cm and in a manner that clearly indicates the marked mole).

    Review these     images of benign skin lesions.

    Examine these images of potentially concerning lesions.

 

Let’s do the self mole check

Take regional images

  • Capture images of the numbered moles in their wider surroundings, following the numerical order.
  • Take multiple images of the same lesion and keep the best one. You can use a camera or smartphone.
  • Zoom out to show the entire body part where the skin lesion is located.
  • We recommend using a flash, regardless of the room’s lighting, to ensure uniform illumination (activate the flash in the settings).
  • Use autofocus and hold your hand steady while taking the images.
  • After capturing the images, check their quality, especially the sharpness of the mole and whether it is overexposed due to flash reflection.
  • Save the images to the device you will use to complete the submission process. (We recommend saving your mole check images on your computer in a dedicated folder under Health/Mole check/todaysdate, so you can easily find them later if needed.)

Take close-up images

Capture close-up images of the numbered moles. The process is the same as above, with the only difference being selecting a zoom or camera setting that provides a close-up image roughly the size of an adult’s palm. Make sure the mole in question is clearly visible in the centre of the image, well-lit, and sharp.

Taking close up images self mole check

Capture dermatoscopic images

User your home dermatoscope. Follow these steps to ensure high-quality images.

  1. Set up your Dermlite/Heine device with your smartphone by following the instructions provided at this link. The Dermlite HUD is compatible with most smartphones. Heine requires a phone case compatible with your phone.
  2. Remember to turn on the dermatoscope’s inner light, which turns off automatically after some time. Reactivate it if needed during the image-capturing process.
  3. Ensure that the front plate is clean. If necessary, gently clean it.
  4. In your camera settings, select the square image format.
  5. Maintain the default brightness setting on your smartphone.
  6. Zoom in with the camera until the dermatoscope’s edges disappear and your skin fills the entire frame. While zooming, your phone may switch cameras. Attach the dermatoscope to the camera in use at the required zoom level.
  7. Visually inspect the focus and brightness, allowing the phone to adjust automatically. Refrain from changing the settings manually.
  8. Once the skin appears clear, sharp, and well-lit, you are ready to capture your images. Keep your camera steady while taking the photos.
  9. If the skin is dry, apply immersion fluid as needed (drops of water or other options as mentioned in the instruction manual).
  10. Review the images for quality. Use this reference for comparison. If the quality is compromised, retake the image or double-check the setup process.
  11. Follow the prescribed examination order when taking images. This ensures proper alignment, making the submission process more efficient.
  12. Save your images on your computer in a dedicated folder for future reference (e.g., Health/Mole check/Today’s Date).
Dermlite HUD2 dermatoscope

Conclusion

By now, you and your assistant have:

  • Checked your entire body surface
  • Selected and cross-checked a maximum of 5 moles for submission
  • Numbered these moles
  • Taken regional images of all of them
  • Taken close-up images of all of them
  • Captured dermatoscopic images of all of them
  • Checked image quality and re-taken images if needed
  • Saved these images in a folder on your computer for future reference

You are now ready to submit your moles for medical assessment on the following pages.

mole check process in conclusion

Summary of Next Steps

  1. Provide medical history related to the moles you submit.
  2. Upload high-quality images.
  3. Read and acknowledge legal statements and consent.
  4. Make a payment.
  5. We will confirm your submission.
  6. The medical assessment will commence.
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[submit id=Step3]

home mole check next steps