Total body photography has been shown to be a useful method of detecting early melanoma in patients with multiple moles. Baseline photographs of a patient's skin can be compared in time for changes to existing moles or the presence of new moles.

High resolution digital total body photography has the advantage over conventional photography because it enables the clinician to "zoom in" for close up views of a particular suspicious mole.

In addition, copies of the images can be provided to patients with personal computers, allowing self screening for change in appearance of their skin lesions.