Skin Cancer Awareness Month May: (Skin) safety first – small spot can change everything.

Since the 1970s, the number of new skin cancer cases has been increasing, which is probably mainly due to changes in leisure time behavior. Worldwide, there are each year over 300,000 new cases of melanoma skin cancer, known as malignant melanoma. Almost 60,000 people die as a result of this disease. Projections indicate that these numbers will continue to rise significantly.*

Take (sun) protection into your own hands

Sun protection and ongoing self-checks of the skin, combined with regular computer-assisted skin checks by a dermatologist, are the cornerstones of optimal preventive care. The only effective approach to early detection is to monitor the entire skin because in two-thirds of cases, melanomas do not develop from an existing mole, but arise from new growths on healthy skin. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep an eye on the entire skin surface. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, PhD, Dermatology Circle PLLC in New York City (USA) explains: “Mole mapping or total body photography is an essential tool for monitoring skin health, especially for those with a history of melanoma, numerous and atypical moles, or sun damage. FotoFinder is a cutting-edge technology that provides high-quality images of the skin, ensuring that any changes can be detected early and accurately. With FotoFinder, patients can have peace of mind knowing that their skin is being monitored and any potential issues are being addressed promptly”.

Total Body Dermoscopy – best possible prevention with minimum time requirement

During the Total Body Dermoscopy procedure, patients are systematically photographed from head to toe and from all sides using the FotoFinder ATBM master system. The software automatically compares follow-up photos with images from the previous examination. New or changed skin lesions are visualized. Atypical lesions can thus be quickly identified by the physician and, in addition, dermoscopically examined and documented using the special camera medicam 1000s. This provides patients with double security during skin checks, with minimal time investment.

Artificial Intelligence for the analysis of skin and nevi

The Total Body Dermoscopy workflow combines high-resolution image quality with innovative software features and Artificial Intelligence (AI). FotoFinder AI supports physicians via Moleanalyzer pro software in the pre-assessment of melanocytic and non-melanocytic lesions with one of the most powerful deep learning algorithms evaluated in clinical studies so far**.

* Arnold M et al. Global Burden of Cutaneous Melanoma in 2020 and Projections to 2040. JAMA Dermatology, doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.0160

** Man against machine”, Annals of Oncology, https://doi.org/… & “Man against machine reloaded”, Annals of Oncology, DOI: https://doi.org/…