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Skin cancer is highly curable if detected in its early stages. It is the most preventable forms of cancer. Sometimes, moles can evolve into skin cancer. It is important to get your moles evaluated by a physician, to rule out melanoma. Mole mapping is a technology that uses a computerized photo comparison tool to closely monitor changes in moles for patients with strong family history of skin cancer. In mole mapping, magnified images of moles or skin lesions are taken and closely monitored with the help of a standardized photo process.
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You should consult a physician for mole mapping if you are at a high risk for developing skin cancer. People with family history, certain skin types, and people who have experienced excessive exposure to sun are at an increased risk of developing skin cancers. Besides that, you should consider seeing a physician if you experience the following symptoms:
Symptoms of Melanoma in A Mole:
If you develop a mole that changes in colour, size or feel If you have moles that bleed or become crusty If you have a mole or moles that feels itchy or sore If you develop a new pigmented or unusual looking growth on your skin If you have a spot that has a jagged border, feels firm, has more than one colour, or is growingMole mapping uses a highly computerized mole mapping system called as the ‘’FotoFinder’’ that helps in comparing baseline images of your moles. This uses a polarized photography that creates a database of high-resolution images that keep track of even the smallest changes in your mole, every year.
Total body photography ensures that potential changes in moles and lesions are tracked for early detection of skin cancer.
Helps detect melanoma in its early stages Helps detect new moles or lesions through skin mapping Helps detect melanoma within minutes Helps keep track of many moles, including those on palm or soles Helps identify skin cancer in congenital moles as wellThe quick answer is that OHIP does, in fact, pay for dermatologist consultations. A dermatologist can be consulted for free if someone needs a professional evaluation or treatment for their skin, hair, or nails. There are a few restrictions on OHIP coverage, though.
The initial requirement for scheduling a general dermatology appointment is a doctor's referral. The initial consultation and any subsequent consultations are covered by OHIP dermatology coverage, therefore they are free.
Most dermatology procedures will be funded by OHIP if you have been referred by a physician or nurse practitioner and they are deemed medically essential. In other words, cosmetic or medically unnecessary clinic visits, examinations, or procedures are not covered by OHIP for dermatology. In any case, a skilled dermatologist who accepts OHIP should discuss which procedures are optional and how much they would cost.
The Ministry of Health decides what is covered by OHIP. A doctor, not even a dermatologist, can determine your coverage under OHIP because there is a precise list of illnesses and procedures that are approved. However, the best person to inform you what is and isn't covered is an OHIP dermatologist.
The common dermatology procedures listed below are covered by OHIP.
Mole mapping is not an OHIP-insured service. The fee starts from $599 plus HST for full body mole mapping, which is typically done once a year. The cost of mole mapping in Canada can vary depending on several factors, including the specific clinic or healthcare provider, the region where the service is being offered, and the extent of the mole mapping procedure.
Removal of harmless moles is not covered by OHIP. Your doctor should check any changing or new mole to ensure there are no signs of skin cancer. Moles often change in response to hormonal fluctuations, such as during puberty and pregnancy. Benign moles can be left untreated or removed for cosmetic reasons. However, if you are concerned about skin cancer, then your mole removal may be covered by OHIP.
If you are considering removing flat moles on your face, it is important to consult with a Dermatologist or a qualified healthcare professional. Some common methods that Dermatologists may use to remove flat moles from the face are:
It is important to note that attempting to remove moles naturally without professional guidance can be risky, as it may lead to complications, infection, or scarring. It is always recommended to consult with a Dermatologist or a qualified healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and advice on mole removal.
You can get referred to a mole removal clinic near you by using the Virtual Health Clinic web application. You can book a consultation with one of our doctors at the Virtual Health Clinic. After your consultation with our virtual doctor, a referral to a mole removal clinic will be emailed to you or sent to your nearest specialist’s clinic.
If you have concerns about a mole, it is always best to consult with a Dermatologist or a qualified healthcare professional for a proper evaluation. They can perform a thorough examination and, if necessary, recommend further tests or a biopsy to determine if a mole is cancerous or not. Changes in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole are often the first warning signs of melanoma. These changes can occur in an existing mole, or melanoma may appear as a new or unusual-looking mole. The "ABCDE" rule is helpful in remembering the warning signs of melanoma:
