OptimaScan 3D mole mapping

Common questions about mole mapping

Should I have mole mapping?

If you have a very high risk of melanoma and more than 100 moles, you should consider having mole mapping every year. There is evidence that mole mapping can allow earlier detection of melanoma in high-risk patients and therefore improve the chances of successful treatment. Read more…

Is mole mapping worth it?

Mole mapping adds to the cost of a skin cancer check and people often feel uncomfortable being photographed while they are nearly naked, so it’s understandable to ask if mole mapping is worth the expense and trouble. The answer isn’t always straightforward; for some people, regular mole mapping is highly recommended, and for others, it doesn’t have significant clinical benefits. Read more…

How long does mole mapping take?

OptimaScan takes just over a minute to photograph your entire body. Reviewing and interpreting the images typically takes 15–30 minutes, depending on whether it’s your first session or a follow-up and how many moles you have.

We previously used traditional 2D mole mapping (28-30 posed photos), but now use OptimaScan for all mole mapping appointments.

We introduced OptimaScan mole mapping in November 2025. It’s an automated system where a rotating camera and lighting rig captures 100+ images in about one minute. The software then stitches these images into a 3D body model, which takes about 10 minutes and usually runs while your doctor or nurse examines and photographs individual spots of interest.

Next, we compare your current images with prior mapping to identify new or changing lesions. This takes longer when comparing multiple sets of 2D photos, but is faster with 3D-to-3D comparisons. Depending on mole numbers and image types, comparisons can take a few minutes to up to about 30 minutes.

Do I get a copy of my mole mapping photos?

Your 3D body model and 2D photos are stored in MoleScope, a shared medical record you and the Spot Check Clinic team can access. You can view them in a web browser or the MoleScope app, which also lets you photograph your own spots and upload them to the record.

If you wish, you can use the app’s total body photography mode to take your own mole mapping photos at home and compare images over time at no extra cost. (This is different from the 3D total body photography performed with the OptimaScan system at Spot Check Clinic.)

Does a doctor examine my moles?

If you’ve booked a full body skin check in conjunction with your mole mapping appointment, your skin will be examined by an experienced skin cancer doctor and individual moles or lesions will be examined and photographed dermoscopically.

You have the option to have mole mapping photography performed without a medical examination if you prefer. Your photos will be available in the MoleScope app for your own skin cancer doctor or dermatologist to review. If you would like to book an appointment for 3D mole mapping photography only, with no medical examination, please call Spot Check Clinic on 03 9098 7474.

How long does it take to receive results?

You don’t need to wait to receive the results of your skin check and mole mapping. Because a doctor is performing your examination, they will inform you immediately if they notice any suspicious spots, lumps or likely skin cancers.

How often should mole mapping be repeated?

The frequency of mole mapping varies according to the number of moles and the degree of melanoma risk.

For people at very high risk of melanoma, total body mole mapping photography should be performed every year. This includes people with many (hundreds) of moles over their whole body, people with a history of multiple melanomas, and people with multiple dysplastic moles.

People at lower risk require mole mapping less frequently; we usually suggest it every 2-3 years to keep up with changes in their skin. For these people, mole mapping can be useful not only to detect, but also to rule out changes in concerning moles. This means we can sometimes avoid unnecessary biopsy and excision procedures. The main downside of yearly mole mapping in lower-risk people is expense. If you have private insurance that covers mole mapping, or if you simply want to be very thorough, feel free to have mole mapping performed with every skin check.

References

Secker LJ, Bergman W, Kukutsch NA. Total body photography as an aid to skin self-examination: a patient’s perspective Acta Derm Venereol. 2016 Feb;96(2):186-90

Deinlein T, Michor C, Hofmann-Wellenhof R et al The importance of total-body photography and sequential digital dermatoscopy for monitoring patients at increased melanoma risk J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2020 Jul;18(7):692-697. doi: 10.1111/ddg.14158. Epub 2020 Jun 29

Salerni G, Carrera C, Lovatto L et al Benefits of total body photography and digital dermatoscopy (“two-step method of digital follow-up”) in the early diagnosis of melanoma in patients at high risk for melanoma J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012 Jul;67(1):e17-27 

Argenziano G, Zalaudek I, Hofmann-Wellenhof R Total body skin examination for skin cancer screening in patients with focused symptoms J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012 Feb;66(2):212-9 

Goodson AG, Florell SR, Hyde M et al Comparative analysis of total body vs. dermatoscopic photographic monitoring of nevi in similar patient populations at risk for cutaneous melanoma Dermatol Surg. 2010 Jul; 36(7): 1087–1098

Cancer Council Australia. What is the role of skin surface imaging (total body photography) in the early diagnosis of patients at high risk of developing melanoma? in Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of melanoma.