MoleMax™

MoleMax™ is the first integrated system for digital epiluminescence microscopy and macro imaging in the world.

MoleMax™ was the first digital epiluminescence system in the world jointly developed with dermatologists and clinics for use in dermatological practice.

The first units were released in May 1997 from a single production.

Thanks to the enthusiastic response from the first users both in Austria and abroad and intensive clinical evaluations in the field, it was possible to further optimize MoleMax into today's well-planned, mature design.

MoleMax was introduced internationally in June 1997 at the Melanoma World Convention and the subsequent Dermatologists World Convention, and since then MoleMax become the worldwide accepted clinical standard.

It is this uncompromising technical conception that enabled the achievement and global recognition of clinical ELM documentation and follow up control, it became the standard for DELM methods among dermatologists involved in scientific research.

Furthermore the MoleMax™ technology has been selected and supported by the European Commission under the Innovation Program of the European Community for a technology evaluation program within an international project-consortium to set the standards for the DELM method (project IN 301044D).

Digital Epiluminescence Microscopy/DELM

Even an experienced dermatologist finds it difficult to distinguish between a benign and a malignant mole in the early stages. A more detailed and precise diagnosis requires skin surface microscopy. The first examination is made with the traditional hand-held microscope.

A more advanced system is available with the epiluminescence microscope (ELM). Using this technology, dermatologists are not only able to look at the skin surface but can also view and image the sub-surface layers of the skin.

The method of epiluminescence microscopy opens up a new view of morphological features, colors and patterns not seen in an examination with traditional skin surface microscopy. The University of Vienna Medical School in Austria has pioneered the introduction of this advanced method.

Today it is the most important tool for the very early detection of malignant melanomas and, thus, for the differentiation between benign and malignant tumors of the skin.

ELM enables you to look at the skin and sub-surface layers of the skin.

• earlier detection of malignant melanoma
• easier differentiation between benign and malignant tumors

MoleMax™ makes other methods obsolete

The commonly used method of epiluminescence microscopy has various drawbacks. The patients cannot watch the examination. Recording and storing images and pictures is difficult.

The dermatologist has to use immersion oil with traditional binocular epiluminescence microscopes, and he/ she must establish archives to document cases. This method, therefore, does not meet the requirements of a modern dermatologist’s practice.

Improved method for a reliable diagnosis

The users of MoleMax™ have access to the first mailbox for dermatologists called DERMANET.

This program module enables simple transfer of patient data via the Internet to otherMoleMax™ users, or to the international MoleMax™ discussion forum, depending on the respective registration.

In this way, “guest patients” can be sent to colleagues to receive a second opinion, and individual images of particular interest can be sent to groups of colleagues for discussion. This function can also cover technically the supplementary transfer of images for histological findings.

The Dermanet also hosts the “Artificial Intelligence Remote Support Service” (AIRS (AIS) Module), the only form of teleconsulting of its kind in the world.

Easy-to-use computer system

MoleMax™ can be used without prior computer skills. The software of MoleMax™ is user-friendly and most of the functions are controlled by the built-in trackstick. The hand-held microscope is designed for single-handed use (right or left hand).

It functions as a peripheral computer unit with a built-in computer remote control. It contains a specially designed lens system, a color micro video camera (CCD), and light polarization devices.

The images may be stored either in compressed or uncompressed form. All program steps follow the actual examination sequence; they were not drawn up by computer specialists but by doctors for doctors. A clinical reference image database on CD and a diagnostic support system are available as a software upgrade module (MoleMax Expertizer™).