FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP—CentraState Medical Center is the first hospital in New Jersey and one of six sites in the U.S. to offer MoleSafe, a state-of-the-art, total-body skin documentation system for the early detection of melanoma and other skin cancers. Using total-body photography, digital dermoscopy (sub-surface skin magnification), and digital molemapping, the MoleSafe program provides patients with a complete electronic record of their skin from head to toe. MoleSafe of Central Jersey is offered through CentraState’s Star and Barry Tobias Health Awareness Center.
The MoleSafe process begins with a non-invasive, head-to-toe visual skin examination followed by a melanogram performed by aregisterednurse.Using digital imagery and scanning technology, the melanogram takes images of the entire span of skin, which includes mapping of each mole and skin growth. MoleSafe is more accurate than a standard visual inspection because the melanogram can detect sub-surface features and changes in existing moles and also identify new moles. This electronic record is evaluated by a dermoscopist, a specially-trained melanoma dermatologist who will diagnose any areas of concern. These recorded images are then stored to allow comparisons with future scans, in the same way a patient’s baseline mammogram is used to compare to future mammographies. The initial consultation and photography typically takes about an hour.
"Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer," says Jarrod Kaufman, MD, FACS, board-certified surgeon on staff at CentraState Medical Center. "When found early through regular screenings and the use of advanced screening technology such as MoleSafe, it’s curable, but if it isn’t discovered until later stages, the condition can be fatal."
Dr. Kaufman alsochairs the New Jersey Commission on Skin Cancer, part of the American College of Surgeons, and chairs the Melanoma Work Group of the New Jersey Governor’s Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment.
The MoleSafe program is especially recommended for patients with a family history or previous diagnosis of skin cancer; who experienced blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence; frequented tanning beds; or fair-skinned people with light- colored eyes. In addition, anyone who has identified unusual, changing or bleeding moles should also seek medical attention immediately.
For more information about MoleSafe, call 877-molesafe or visit www.centrastate.com/molesafe
CentraState Healthcare System is a non-profit community health organization consisting of an acute-care hospital, an ambulatory care campus, three senior living communities, a Family Medicine Residency Program, and a charitable foundation. It is a member of the Robert Wood Johnson Health Network and a clinical research affiliate of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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