Total Body Photography (TBP)
Total Body Photography (TBP) is a state-of-the-art tool to use during skin cancer screening and surveillance in conjunction with a Total Body Skin Exam (TBSE) and Skin Self-Exams (SSE).
Initially TBP started with a photographer that would take photographs of a patient's skin with the patient in certain poses so that this could be repeated at a future date. The patient would receive hard copies of the photographs to keep with them for skin self-examination and to take to appointments with their doctor.
Currently through technological advances there are dedicated machines that can take Total Body Photographs. These machines include the IntelliStudio and Dermagraphix from Canfield and the ATBM from Fotofinder.
At our clinic we use the ATBM from Fotofinder which takes polarized images at a high resolution. Images are taken by a technician using a motorized camera connected to a computer. The patient is guided through reproducible poses when images are captured. These images are then provided to the patient in digital format and stored digitally in a secure database.
Advantages of TBP
- Used during skin self-exams by patients to note new or changing skin lesions that might need further investigation
- Comparison of photographs can be done by a doctor to detect possible new or changing skin lesions
- Comparison of photographs can be done by software
- Lesions that need further investigation can be flagged
- Areas that were treated during a consultation can be tagged
Limitations of TBP
Total Body Photography cannot be relied on for detecting skin cancers on its own and is only an aid in the monitoring of changes to the skin; a qualified doctor must be consulted for a comprehensive skin cancer screening appointment.
TBP is an optional aid to skin exams and not covered by MSP with a fee charged for taking the images and transferring and storing the photographic records.
References:
- Malvehy J et al, ‘Benefits of total body photography and digital dermatoscopy (‘two-step method of digital follow-up”) in the early diagnosis of melanoma in patients at high risk for melanoma’, J Am Acad Dermatol 2012;67:e17-27.
- Garbe C et al, ‘European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for melanoma. Part 1: Diagnostics e Update 2019’, European Journal of Cancer, 126 (2020) 141-158.
- Malvehy J, Puig, S, ‘Monitoring Patients with Multiple Nevi’, Dermato/ Clin 31 (2013) 565-577.
- Young AT et al,’The role of technology in melanoma screening and diagnosis’, Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021;34:288-300.
- Hornung A etal, ‘The Value of Total Body Photography for the Early Detection of Melanoma: A Systematic Review’, Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 1726.