New mole mapping clinic opens to detect cancers

The first full body mole mapping clinic in East Anglia has opened at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital

The first full body mole mapping clinic of its kind in East Anglia has opened.

The clinic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, welcomed its first patient through the doors last month.

Staff at the unit are trying to detect skin cancer earlier in people at a higher risk, and will use an advanced imaging system to take high-quality photographs.

Dr Simina Stefanescu, clinic lead for dermatology at the hospital, said: "By comparing images over time, we can spot small changes and make more informed decisions about whether treatment is needed."

Experts are hoping the clinic will detect skin cancer in patients who are at a higher risk of getting the disease

The service is aimed at patients already under the dermatology team and who meet specific medical criteria for closer monitoring.

There are two main types of skin cancer - non melanoma and melanoma skin cancer.

Cancer Research UK says most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun, including long term exposure, but also short periods of intense sun exposure and burning.

The charity says about 156,000 cases of non melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year.

Rebecca Martin, medical director at the hospital, said: "We know how important early detection is when it comes to skin cancer.

"This service gives our patients access to the latest technology, helping us to monitor their skin more closely and act quickly when needed."