VivaScope Looks for Malignancy in Moles Without Biopsy

 

Checking moles is an important part of skin safety, and patients now have a pain free option with VivaScope.

Moles are quite common, in fact most people have them. They often change appearance over time, and while most are harmless, some changes can be an indication of a malignant melanoma or skin cancer. That's why it's important to keep track of your moles and any changes, and a new test can save the pain of a biopsy.

moles on the doctors
Model Photo


Traditionally, if your physician suspected that a mole was cancerous, the only way to test was to take a biopsy. This included numbing the skin and cutting away a sample. Now there's a new technology called the VivaScope which is a non-invasive diagnostic device that uses high-tech imaging to look into the skin. The VivaScope can detect whether or not there are any potential cancerous developments in the mole.

Dr. Kelly Nelson, a dermatologist from the Duke University Medical Center, performs a VivaScope test on Dr. Travis Stork live on The Doctors to determine if any of the moles on his back are cancerous. The test is simple and the device is much like a large microscope. The physician positions a small ring on the patient's back and hooks up the lens end of the machine. Once turned on, the doctor is able to see the skin on a cellular level to detect any abnormalities.

The doctors say to monitor your moles and visit your physician if you notice any of the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma:
  • Asymmetry - Moles should be fairly symmetrical so if you were to draw a line down the middle of your mole and one side is larger than the other, see your doctor.

  • Border - The edges of your moles should be smooth. If they're uneven, or bumpy, contact your physician.

  • Color - Moles should be uniform in color so if there are various shades of brown or mixed colors of tan, black or red, check with your dermatologist.

  • Diameter - Moles can come in different sizes, but they generally shouldn't be larger than the eraser on a pencil. See your doctor for moles that are bigger than this.

  • Evolving - This is the most important concern; if your mole starts to change in size, color or elevation, visit your physician.