Richmond Medical Practice Offers First Full Body Scan Digital Mapping System for Moles in Time for Peak Sun Exposure Season
n1 Executive Health Group Uses Latest Technology to Detect, Protect Against Skin Cancer
Memorial Day marks the official start of summer travel and a time when most people head outdoors. It’s important for people to remember to protect their families against one of the most common forms of cancer today: skin cancer. Current statistics show that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime[i], and melanoma rates have been rising for the past 30 years[ii]. In addition, melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25–29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15–29 years old[iii].
Melanoma is one of the most dangerous cancer types but also one of the most curable if caught early. A melanoma starts as a small spot on your skin, grows over the course of time and finally spreads the cancer cells to other organs in your body. If it is detected early by your physician, it can be excised before it starts spreading and the cure rate is over 95 percent.
The detection of new moles and the detection of changes in existing moles are extremely difficult to monitor as many people have hundreds of moles on their body. Plus, physicians see thousands of moles every year. But now, a new technology is available that changes that. It’s a full body digital scanner and mapping system that can change the way skin is monitored and skin cancer is prevented. The n1 Executive Health Group is the only practice to offer this advanced technology in Central Virginia, and only three of these systems exist within the state.
“This imaging system takes the subjectivity out of detecting moles by rating the potential risk score associated with each mole across the entire body, even those moles that individuals can’t see or even monitor in areas like the bottom of their feet or back. This helps in the early detection of malignant melanoma as well as in the diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer,” says Dr. Randy Baggesen, executive director of n1 Executive Health Group. “Total body mapping is an effective procedure for monitoring individuals that have a high risk of skin cancer.”
This is how total body mapping works: The patient steps onto a platform where cameras scan or take pictures of the skin’s surface capturing, imaging and tracking the skin’s surface from head to toe. The computerized mole mapping system creates an accurate set of photos of all moles. The high resolution camera is connected to a computer and transfers all photos immediately to the n1 Executive Health Group’s database.
Then the system is able to compare moles with photos from the initial visit and find immediately new or changed moles on the body, so that changes in the skin can be monitored over time. Each mole in the system is rated and assigned a risk score associated with the potential risk it poses to the patient. The patient can also get a copy of the photos on CD for self examination at home. For the first time, patients with multiple moles can feel safe that no changed or new mole will be missed.
A periodic side-by-side comparison of baseline and follow-up overview pictures is the most reliable means of accurately tracking changes over time. Suspicious lesions can be marked in the clinical photo and then be observed with a dermoscope, which is a second camera that can greatly magnify suspect moles for further diagnosis.
Through on-screen comparison of overview and microscopic mole images at follow-up visits, diagnostic accuracy can be significantly increased as even the slightest changes in mole structure are visualized and melanoma in situ and melanomas that do not satisfy the classical clinical features of melanoma are easier detected, examined and specified for surgery.
“This service is part of the comprehensive care, and advanced preventative testing and technologies that you will find at the n1 Executive Health Group to keep members as healthy, productive, and vital as possible,” says Baggesen. “Our practice is based on prevention and early diagnosis, which is key in reducing morbidity and mortality from diseases such as melanoma.”
[i] Stern RS. Prevalence of a history of skin cancer in 2007: results of an incidence-based model. Arch Dermatol. 2010 Mar;146(3):279-82.Robinson JK. Sun Exposure, Sun Protection, and Vitamin D. JAMA 2005; 294: 1541-43.
[ii] Source, American Academy of Dermatology website
[iii] Howlader N, Noone AM, Krapcho M, et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2008, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, based on November 2010 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, 2011, http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2009_pops09/
Inset: The ABCDE rule helps you to recognize suspicious moles. Moles which show one or more of the signs below have to be treated with utmost attention and should be observed by your physician:
About n1 Executive Health Group
About J. Rand Baggesen, M.D.
Dr. Randy Baggesen is the executive director of n1 Executive Health Group. A graduate of the Medical College of Virginia, he completed his residency at Chesterfield Family Practice where he served as chief resident. He is board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Currently, he is an associate professor of medicine at MCV. He is recognized as a pioneer in visual medicine, making broad use of ultrasound technology for health screening and speaks on behalf of the world’s largest manufacturer of handheld ultrasound.
About Christine D. Allan, M.D.
Dr. Christine Allan is the executive physician of n1 Executive Health Group. A native of Great Britain, she has been practicing family medicine in Richmond, Va. for more than 14 years. She is a graduate of the Northeast London Polytechnic and attended the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Allen completed her residency at Chesterfield Family Practice, a VCU/MCV/Chippenham affiliated program where she was voted Intern of the Year. She is board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians and is currently an associate professor of medicine at MCV.
Melanoma is one of the most dangerous cancer types but also one of the most curable if caught early. A melanoma starts as a small spot on your skin, grows over the course of time and finally spreads the cancer cells to other organs in your body. If it is detected early by your physician, it can be excised before it starts spreading and the cure rate is over 95 percent.
The detection of new moles and the detection of changes in existing moles are extremely difficult to monitor as many people have hundreds of moles on their body. Plus, physicians see thousands of moles every year. But now, a new technology is available that changes that. It’s a full body digital scanner and mapping system that can change the way skin is monitored and skin cancer is prevented. The n1 Executive Health Group is the only practice to offer this advanced technology in Central Virginia, and only three of these systems exist within the state.
“This imaging system takes the subjectivity out of detecting moles by rating the potential risk score associated with each mole across the entire body, even those moles that individuals can’t see or even monitor in areas like the bottom of their feet or back. This helps in the early detection of malignant melanoma as well as in the diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer,” says Dr. Randy Baggesen, executive director of n1 Executive Health Group. “Total body mapping is an effective procedure for monitoring individuals that have a high risk of skin cancer.”
This is how total body mapping works: The patient steps onto a platform where cameras scan or take pictures of the skin’s surface capturing, imaging and tracking the skin’s surface from head to toe. The computerized mole mapping system creates an accurate set of photos of all moles. The high resolution camera is connected to a computer and transfers all photos immediately to the n1 Executive Health Group’s database.
Then the system is able to compare moles with photos from the initial visit and find immediately new or changed moles on the body, so that changes in the skin can be monitored over time. Each mole in the system is rated and assigned a risk score associated with the potential risk it poses to the patient. The patient can also get a copy of the photos on CD for self examination at home. For the first time, patients with multiple moles can feel safe that no changed or new mole will be missed.
A periodic side-by-side comparison of baseline and follow-up overview pictures is the most reliable means of accurately tracking changes over time. Suspicious lesions can be marked in the clinical photo and then be observed with a dermoscope, which is a second camera that can greatly magnify suspect moles for further diagnosis.
Through on-screen comparison of overview and microscopic mole images at follow-up visits, diagnostic accuracy can be significantly increased as even the slightest changes in mole structure are visualized and melanoma in situ and melanomas that do not satisfy the classical clinical features of melanoma are easier detected, examined and specified for surgery.
“This service is part of the comprehensive care, and advanced preventative testing and technologies that you will find at the n1 Executive Health Group to keep members as healthy, productive, and vital as possible,” says Baggesen. “Our practice is based on prevention and early diagnosis, which is key in reducing morbidity and mortality from diseases such as melanoma.”
[i] Stern RS. Prevalence of a history of skin cancer in 2007: results of an incidence-based model. Arch Dermatol. 2010 Mar;146(3):279-82.Robinson JK. Sun Exposure, Sun Protection, and Vitamin D. JAMA 2005; 294: 1541-43.
[ii] Source, American Academy of Dermatology website
[iii] Howlader N, Noone AM, Krapcho M, et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2008, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, based on November 2010 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, 2011, http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2009_pops09/
Inset: The ABCDE rule helps you to recognize suspicious moles. Moles which show one or more of the signs below have to be treated with utmost attention and should be observed by your physician:
- A for Asymmetry
- B for irregular, blurred or jagged Borders
- C for Color variation
- D for Diameter larger than ¼ inch
- E for Elevation especially when uneven
Inset: Who might benefit from mole mapping? If any of the following questions apply to you, have your moles checked by your physician:
- Do you have multiple moles (more than 50)?
- Is there a history of skin cancer in your family?
- Did you have already a melanoma?
- Do you have large moles (diameter more than 2 inches)?
- Have you noticed any changes in your moles?
- Have you noticed any new mole on your body?
- Did you have sunburns during childhood or adolescence?
- Do you have very light skin?
About n1 Executive Health Group
The n1 Executive Health Group is a private, member-based medical practice located in Richmond that specializes in working with individuals to deliver superior health outcomes through access to personalized, comprehensive care, combined with advanced testing and technologies to help members stay healthy. Today, the practice provides executive level care to those who want to protect their health. The practice is led by Dr. Randy Baggesen, executive director of n1 Executive Health Group and Dr. Christine Allan, executive physician. For more information about membership or n1 Executive Health Group, visit www.executive.md.
About J. Rand Baggesen, M.D.
Dr. Randy Baggesen is the executive director of n1 Executive Health Group. A graduate of the Medical College of Virginia, he completed his residency at Chesterfield Family Practice where he served as chief resident. He is board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Currently, he is an associate professor of medicine at MCV. He is recognized as a pioneer in visual medicine, making broad use of ultrasound technology for health screening and speaks on behalf of the world’s largest manufacturer of handheld ultrasound.
About Christine D. Allan, M.D.
Dr. Christine Allan is the executive physician of n1 Executive Health Group. A native of Great Britain, she has been practicing family medicine in Richmond, Va. for more than 14 years. She is a graduate of the Northeast London Polytechnic and attended the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Allen completed her residency at Chesterfield Family Practice, a VCU/MCV/Chippenham affiliated program where she was voted Intern of the Year. She is board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians and is currently an associate professor of medicine at MCV.
