Patients are screened for all forms of skin cancer including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Utah and throughout the United States. Individuals at risk for skin cancer, whether due to family history, lifestyle, or the presence of multiple or atypical moles, are thoroughly screened including a total body skin examination and, when indicated, mole mapping (see below). After screening, patients receive care for any abnormalities from Huntsman Cancer Institute physicians or from their own dermatologist. To schedule an appointment for skin cancer screening with Douglas Grossman, MD, PhD or Sancy Leachman, MD, PhD, call 801-581-2955.

Mole Mapping

Patients with numerous or atypical moles are at increased risk for developing melanoma. At the initial visit, your physician may recommend mole mapping to assist in the detection of new or changing moles. Photographs of the skin are taken by one of our experienced female photographers, and integrated into an imaging archiving system. During follow-up visits, the physician may access these photos in the exam room through a secure wireless connection. Comparison of lesions with baseline images will help the physician determine if a lesion should be biopsied or can continue to be monitored. This process ideally allows for early detection of suspicious lesions, while minimizing unnecessary biopsies of moles that are stable over time.