Health board is first in Wales to have innovative ‘mole-mapping’ machine

PATIENTS with suspected skin cancer could soon be diagnosed more quickly thanks to innovative new “full body mapping” equipment.

Cwm Taf University Health Board, which covers Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil, has become the first in Wales to have the FotoFinder BodyStudio ATBM.

It has been described as the most extensive skin cancer screening available, as it is able to monitor mole changes in patients with hundreds of moles. First, the patient is systematically photographed from four sides and from head to toe.

Any conspicuous moles are then dermoscopically documented. At the regular check ups, the system identifies new and changed lesions automatically.

Consultant dermatologist Dr Christian Aldridge has worked with Melanoma UK skin cancer charity in securing the specialist equipment, which has been described as “a significant addition to our armament towards fighting skin cancer”.

Dr Aldridge said: “I am delighted that we were fortunate enough to secure this equipment at Cwm Taf.

“This will allow us to take a more accurate picture of our patients’ skin and in less time. This means any treatment the patient may require can be started sooner.

“I would like to thank Melanoma UK for supplying us with the equipment, and to our medical illustration department for their support.”

Gill Nuttall, chief executive from Melanoma UK said: “Melanoma UK is delighted to have been able to provide this equipment.

“We believe that early diagnosis is extremely important and the Fotofinder will play a significant role.

“We are very grateful to our supporters and fundraisers who have helped us to make this happen.”

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that if caught early enough can be successfully treated.

It is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Wales, with 786 new cases in 2015.

However, it represents the second fastest growing cancer in Wales, just behind liver cancer.

Typically, melanomas appear as new moles or changes to an already existing mole.

The most common cause of melanoma is overexposure to intense UV sunlight that leads to sunburn.