Mobile App Helps Monitor Skin Lesions

A free application for the iPhone and iPad helps users perform a skin cancer self-exam and monitor suspicious lesions over time.

The UMSkinCheck skin cancer mobile app, developed by researchers at the University of Michigan Health System (UM; Ann Arbor, USA) allows users to create a photographic baseline of their skin and photograph suspicious moles or other skin lesions, walking users step-by-step through a skin self-exam. The app then sends automatic reminders so users can monitor changes to a skin lesion over time, and if a mole or other lesion appears to be changing or growing, the photos can then be shared with a dermatologist to help determine whether a biopsy is necessary.

The app guides users through a series of 23 photos, and provides pictures of various types of skin cancers for comparison, covering the body from head to toe. Photos are stored within the app and serve as a baseline for future comparisons. The app includes a risk calculator that allows the user to input personal data and parameters to calculate individual risk for skin cancer. The app is designed for iPhone and iPad, and is available to download on iTunes.

“Whole body photography is a well-established resource for following patients at risk for melanoma. However, it requires a professional photographer, is not always covered by insurance, and can be an inconvenience,” said Michael Sabel, MD, an associate professor of surgery at UM, who was the lead physician involved in developing the app. “Now that many people have digital cameras on their phones, it’s more feasible to do this at home.”

“We recommend skin self-exams for everyone in order to detect skin cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment is less invasive and more successful,” added Dr. Sabel. “If you have fair skin or burn easily, have had sunburns in the past or used tanning beds, or have a family history of melanoma, you are considered high-risk, and so it’s even more important.”

Related Links:
University of Michigan Health System
UMSkinCheck on iTunes