Our story began in Christchurch in the 1990s with Dr David Langford, a general dermatologist with a passion for innovation.
He opened the first Molecheck clinic in Christchurch in 1998 and began researching a new global technique called dermoscopy. At the time, oil immersion dermoscopy was the standard practice, requiring oil to be placed between the dermoscope and the patient’s skin lesion.
As part of Dr Langford’s research, he attached a Heine Dermaphot lens to a Minolta camera to capture permanent images of patients’ lesions, important for assisting with diagnosis. When the camera film was developed, instead of being cut into separate photos, the entire film was fed into a negative scanner, producing computer images.
These images could then be transported electronically. After Dr Langford developed updated computer software, the images could be stored permanently.
This marked a major step forward. As the technology developed, so did the possibilities. By 2002, polarised-light dermoscopes were available with lenses that could be attached to a digital camera.
This meant that not only was oil no longer needed but deeper blood vessels could be seen more clearly, allowing for more accurate diagnosis of various skin cancers, including melanoma. This marked a huge breakthrough for the specialty that shaped the way we work today.
Having more innovative tools was one thing but developing the skills to interpret what could now be clearly seen beneath the skin surface was a game-changer.
Dr Langford continued his research and attended the first World Dermoscopy Congress in Rome in 2001 to form long-standing relationships with the best international dermoscopy experts.
Just a few years later, in 2004, with the help of Dr Langford’s research, we opened our first clinic in Christchurch with a talented team of specialists using advanced technology to deliver skin checks with confidence.
Dr Langford later became a board member of the International Dermoscopy Congress and lectured at the Naples International Dermoscopy Congress in 2006. He also contributed to seven scientific dermoscopy papers published in leading dermatology journals.
That same year, we opened our Auckland branch, backed by an incredible team of highly trained dermoscopy doctors, all with world-leading expertise.
Fast-forward to today and Molecheck continues to grow and offer exceptional skin cancer diagnostic services. We are proud of our innovative history that has shaped our ability to provide expert care to our patients.
