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Total Skin Photography Spots Cancerous Moles Early

Doctors Can Compare Color, Size Over Time

UPDATED: 7:53 am PDT May 13, 2003

Ricky Roberson's eyes saves lives.

He is a biomedical photographer who performs total skin photography, a procedure that is designed to catch suspicious moles early.

Pete McGee said he has had moles all his life. He said his light hair and skin put him at higher risk for skin cancer.

"My fairness is my concern," said McGee.

Dermatologists refer patients who need total skin photography to Roberson. He said most of his patients are young, between age 20 and 40.

Roberson took 60 digital photographs of McGee's moles. He prints the photos and then sends a CD copy to the doctor.

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"These images can be used for years to refer back to. They're very valuable to the patient," said Roberson.

Dermatologist Dr. Janelle Williams said it is a valuable tool. In her opinion, a photograph is more reliable than notes and measurements.

"There's nothing like seeing the actual picture and the colors and the borders [of the mole]," she said.

It has helped her detect cancer early.

"Just recently, we were able to find a mole changing from the photography," Williams said.

McGee said having total skin photography gives him peace of mind.

"You only live one life and it's important to make sure that life is lived at a premium," he said.

The photographs are confidential and hand-delivered to doctors.

A session with Roberson is about 30 minutes and costs $250. Some insurance companies cover skin photography.

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