Most people have heard of a skin check, but fewer know what Total Body Mapping (TBM), also known as Mole Mapping, is or how it differs.
While both help monitor your skin, they do different jobs. A skin check helps your GP assess your skin today, while Total Body Mapping creates a consistent visual record that makes it easier to compare changes over time.
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A skin check and TBM each have a different role
A skin check is a clinical examination where your GP carefully examines your skin looking for anything unusual or changing. If needed, they’ll explain whether a spot simply needs monitoring or whether further investigation is recommended.
Total Body Mapping (TBM) also known as Mole Mapping, is different. Before your skin check, a trained team member takes a series of consistent, high-quality photographs that create a visual baseline of your skin. At future appointments, your GP can compare today’s images with previous ones to identify changes that may not be obvious from memory alone. Learn more about Total Body Mapping here.
Many patients choose to have both during the same appointment because they complement each other. The skin check focuses on today’s assessment, while TBM supports ongoing monitoring over months and years.
This short video helps explain: What is Total Body Mapping?
Who is Total Body Mapping designed for?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that TBM is only for people with dozens of moles.
Your lifestyle, medical history and the parts of your body that are difficult to examine can all influence whether TBM is likely to benefit you.
Your GP may recommend discussing TBM if:
- You spend plenty of time outdoors through work, boating, gardening, golf or other recreation
- You have moles or freckles that are difficult to keep track of
- You have areas such as your back, shoulders or scalp that are difficult to examine yourself
- You’ve had skin cancer before or have a family history of melanoma
- You’d simply like a reliable baseline so future changes are easier to compare
The Cancer Council also recommends regular skin checks for people with higher risk factors, including previous skin cancers, fair skin and significant sun exposure.
You can learn more about Total Body Mapping at Sunstate Family Practice here.
Is Total Body Mapping Right for You?
Answer the questions below to see whether Total Body Mapping is likely to suit your skin and lifestyle.
Why many people choose to start outside summer
Many people think about skin checks after a summer holiday or when they notice a new spot.
Having Total Body Mapping before the busiest summer period has a practical advantage. It allows your GP to create a baseline before another season of beach days, fishing, gardening and time outdoors, making future comparisons more accurate.
It also gives your GP time to identify any areas they’d like to keep an eye on before your skin has another season of Queensland sun exposure.
Using both together
A skin check and TBM are designed to work together rather than replace one another.
Your skin check gives your GP a detailed assessment of your skin today. TBM adds another layer by making it easier to compare today’s findings with future appointments, particularly if you have multiple moles, hard-to-see areas or a history of sun exposure.
Many patients choose to have both during the same visit, making it a convenient way to establish a baseline while also receiving a thorough clinical skin examination.
This short video helps explain: Why have a Total Body Mapping appointment?
If you’re already planning a skin check at Sunstate Family Practice, ask your GP whether Total Body Mapping would add value for your skin and lifestyle.
Total Body Mapping provides a consistent photographic baseline that can be compared between appointments, making it easier to monitor changes over time.
Your GP can explain whether Total Body Mapping is appropriate for your skin, lifestyle and medical history.
Extra: Quick Facts About Skin Cancer
- Queensland has one of the world’s highest rates of skin cancer, thanks to high UV levels and an outdoor lifestyle.
- Melanoma isn’t just an older person’s disease. It can affect adults of all ages.
- Early detection saves lives. Melanoma found before it spreads has a 99%+ five-year survival rate, but outcomes worsen once it spreads.
- You don’t need lots of moles. A single new or changing spot can be enough to warrant a skin check.
- Sun damage builds over time. Your skin remembers years of UV exposure, even from childhood.
Find more information by the Cancer Research Institute.
If you’re already planning a skin check at Sunstate Family Practice, ask your GP whether Total Body Mapping would add value for your skin and lifestyle.
Total Body Mapping provides a consistent photographic baseline that can be compared between appointments, making it easier to monitor changes over time.
Your GP can explain whether Total Body Mapping is appropriate for your skin, lifestyle and medical history.
Extra: Quick Facts About Skin Cancer
- Queensland has one of the world’s highest rates of skin cancer, thanks to high UV levels and an outdoor lifestyle.
- Melanoma isn’t just an older person’s disease. It can affect adults of all ages.
- Early detection saves lives. Melanoma found before it spreads has a 99%+ five-year survival rate, but outcomes worsen once it spreads.
- You don’t need lots of moles. A single new or changing spot can be enough to warrant a skin check.
- Sun damage builds over time. Your skin remembers years of UV exposure, even from childhood.
Find more information by the Cancer Research Institute.
