MelaFind®

MelaFind is an FDA and CE Mark approvedinnovative software-driven optical imaging and data analysis device designed to be used when a dermatologist chooses to obtain additional information for a decision to biopsy irregular moles that are pigmented.

• Provides your dermatologist with important information when deciding to biopsy irregular moles
• Driven by a 100% objective data analysis software using non-invasive spectral imaging
• Can analyze irregular moles objectively and non-invasively up to 2.5 mm below the surface of the skin, where the naked eye cannot see

Dermatologists use their clinical expertise to examine you and to interpret the MelaFind®exam data, which they incorporate into the overall biopsy plan.

What is MelaFind?

MelaFind is an FDA and CE Mark approved innovative software-driven optical imaging and data analysis device designed to be used when a dermatologist chooses to obtain additional information for a decision to biopsy irregular moles that are pigmented.

Skin cancer is the most common form of all cancers, with over one million new cases diagnosed annually.

What is an irregular mole?

An irregular mole is a mole that has at least one characteristic in common with melanoma. These characteristics can be; Asymmetry (One half of the mole is different from the other half), Border (the border or edges of the mole are uneven, fuzzy, notched or irregular), Color (the color of the mole is uneven, has changed or has multiple colors), Diameter (the size of the mole is greater than 6 mm), Evolving (a mole that has changes in ABC or D over time), Patient’s Concern (you have a concern about your mole), Regression (part of the mole has scar-like white or blue-gray appearance), Ugly Duckling (a mole that looks markedly different from other moles on your body).

What is a skin lesion?

A skin lesion is a superficial growth or patch of the skin that does not resemble the area surrounding it.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Skin cancer occurs when cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably. One way to identify melanoma is to look for moles with irregular growth patterns.

How do I know if I am at risk for melanoma?

Everyone is at risk for melanoma, even people who are not fair-skinned, have never spent a lot of time in the sun, have always used sunscreen, and have no family history of melanoma. That is why it is so important to have your skin examined regularly by a dermatologist.

How does MelaFind work?

MelaFind uses light of 10 different wavelengths (i.e., colors) to non-invasively take images of growth patterns of irregular moles up to 2.5 mm into the skin. Then, using highly sophisticated computer software, it analyzes the mole and provides dermatologists with information about the growth patterns under the skin, which they then incorporate into the entire clinical examination.

Does MelaFind use x-ray light?

No. MelaFind uses light of 10 different wavelengths, from blue (430nm) to near infrared (950nm), to illuminate the mole for data capture; neither ultraviolet light nor X-rays are used.

Is MelaFind a body scanner?

No. MelaFind is not a scanning, screening or monitoring device. A scan means that MelaFind would be used on all of your moles. MelaFind should only be used on irregular-looking moles that your dermatologist wants more information about for a decision to biopsy.

Is MelaFind painful?

No. MelaFind is a non-invasive device that is placed lightly on top of the skin and is painless. Minor irritation may result from the application of alcohol.

Does MelaFind cause scarring?

No. Because it is non-invasive, it leaves no scars. If your dermatologist chooses to biopsy an irregular mole, a scar may develop at the biopsy site.

When should MelaFind be used?

MelaFind is designed for use on pigmented moles that are irregular (clinically atypical). During a skin exam, dermatologists visually evaluate moles. Sometimes, your mole may have irregular features that can cause your doctor to take a closer look. Irregular moles can be harmless, but in some cases, they can actually be a melanoma or a mole that is atypical/dysplastic. During your exam your dermatologist may decide that you are a candidate for MelaFind.

Will MelaFind guarantee that my dermatologist has found all melanomas on my body?

MelaFind is not a screening, scanning or monitoring device and will only be used on pigmented moles that your dermatologist determines are irregular-looking for which he/she chooses to obtain additional information for a decision to biopsy. As with all tools that provide additional information during skin exams, there is a risk that melanomas will be missed and benign moles will be biopsied.Please read the Important Safety Information on MelaFind for more information.