00Instruments
What we look with
Four pieces of equipment do most of the work here; none replaces the consultant holding them.
00Instrument 01
Polarised dermatoscopes
A hand-held magnifier with polarised light that shows the pigment network, vessels and structures a few millimetres under the surface. Every consultant carries one; every mole check uses it. It is the single biggest reason a consultant check is more accurate than a GP's.
Polarised dermatoscopesMove the pointer: ×2.2
What it sees
- 01Melanoma-specific structures
- 02Basal cell carcinoma vessels
- 03Seborrhoeic keratosis versus melanoma
- 04Scabies and nail changes
Used in
00Instrument 02
Total-body mapping system
A photography booth that captures the whole skin surface in standardised positions and software that aligns this year's images with last year's and flags any mole that is new or has changed. Dermoscopic images of individual moles are attached to their position on the map.
Total-body mapping systemMove the pointer: ×2.2
What it sees
- 01New moles since the last map
- 02Change in size or shape of a mapped mole
- 03Moles on the back, scalp and soles the patient cannot see
- 04The one that looks different from all the others
Used in
00Instrument 03
Narrowband UVB phototherapy cabinet
A full-body cabinet emitting a narrow band of ultraviolet B at 311 nanometres, the wavelength that treats psoriasis and eczema with the least burning. Dosed by skin type and increased each visit; a lifetime record is kept.
Narrowband UVB phototherapy cabinetMove the pointer: ×2.2
What it sees
- 01Psoriasis plaques clearing by week eight in most
- 02Widespread eczema settling
- 03Vitiligo repigmenting, especially the face
Used in
00Instrument 04
Minor operations room and PDT lamp
A dedicated room with an LED operating light, a full instrument set for excisions, flaps and grafts, and the red-light lamp for photodynamic therapy. Everything removed goes to a consultant dermatopathologist.
Minor operations room and PDT lampMove the pointer: ×2.2
What it sees
- 01Skin cancers excised with a measured margin
- 02Cysts and lipomas removed whole
- 03Fields of sun damage treated in one session
Used in
Worried about a mole?
Ring, or send a photo. Either way, you are seen.
Mole checks within 3 working days; same day if bleeding.
Front porch, Chestnut Avenue
Four spaces on the gravel drive including one blue badge; free on-street parking on Chestnut Avenue, tight on Wednesdays
Garden entrance, Chestnut Lanestep-free
Drop-off bay at the door; two spaces reserved for surgery patients on the day