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Moles

What To Know About Moles

Moles are growths on the skin. They happen when pigment cells in the skin, called melanocytes, grow in clusters. Moles are very common. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles. A person may develop new moles from time to time, usually until about age 40. In older people, they tend to fade away.

Moles are usually pink, tan or brown. They can be flat or raised. They are usually round or oval and no larger than a pencil eraser.

About one out of every ten people has at least one unusual (or atypical) mole that looks different from an ordinary mole. They are called dysplastic nevi. They may be more likely than ordinary moles to develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer. You should have a health care professional check your moles if they look unusual, grow larger, change in color or outline, or in any other way.

What Is Skinmap?

Skinmap Total Body Photography is a non-invasive imaging procedure that creates a visual baseline of your skin. Using high-resolution, standardized photographs, Skinmap captures your entire skin surface to track moles and other lesions over time.

This “mole mapping” approach allows dermatologists to compare new images with previous ones, making it easier to identify even subtle changes that may not be visible during a standard skin exam.

Who Should Consider Skinmap?

Skinmap is highly recommended for patients who:

  • Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
  • Have numerous or atypical moles
  • Have fair skin or a history of significant sun damage
  • Spend time outdoors or are frequently exposed to UV rays
  • Want peace of mind with regular, proactive skin monitoring

Benefits of Skinmap

  • Early detection of skin cancer through detailed, long-term tracking
  • More accurate dermatology visits, focusing on new or changing moles
  • HIPAA-compliant, secure image storage for patient privacy
  • Quick, non-invasive procedure with no downtime

What to Expect

A Skinmap session typically lasts 10–15 minutes. Our trained imaging staff will guide you through the process in a private, respectful environment. Images are then securely stored and made available for future comparisons at your dermatology visits.

Take a Proactive Step for Your Skin Health

Monitoring your moles with Skinmap Total Body Photography is one of the best ways to protect against skin cancer. When combined with annual skin exams, SkinMap offers peace of mind and a powerful tool for early detection.

Service Available at the Following Locations

  • Streator, IL
  • Princeton, IL
  • Peru, IL
  • Peoria, IL
  • Eureka, IL
  • Charleston, IL
  • Canton, IL
  • Bloomington, IL

Healthy Skin Starts With Us