Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer, but when detected early, it is also one of the most curable.
At the earliest stage — called melanoma in situ (MIS) — the cancer cells are confined to the top layer of the skin. When diagnosed and treated at this stage, long-term survival approaches 99%, often with only a relatively small surgical procedure required.
In contrast, once melanoma spreads deeper into the skin or to lymph nodes and internal organs, treatment becomes significantly more complex. Advanced melanoma may require extensive surgery, lymph node biopsy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation treatment. Despite major advances in modern medicine, survival rates in Stage 4 melanoma remain dramatically lower.
One of the greatest challenges is that melanoma often begins with microscopic structural changes that are invisible to the naked eye. Many dangerous melanomas initially appear subtle, small, or clinically unremarkable to patients.
Advanced dermoscopy and modern imaging technologies now allow specialists to detect early morphological and structural changes within lesions before they become obvious clinically.
At SKEEN, we combine specialist expertise with the latest generation AI-integrated Vectra 3D total body imaging technology to assist with early melanoma detection and monitoring of evolving lesions over time. This technology is not a substitute for specialist clinical assessment — rather, it complements and enhances the diagnostic accuracy and monitoring capabilities of experienced skin cancer and dermatology clinicians.
Earlier diagnosis means:
If you are concerned about a changing mole, have a personal or family history of skin cancer, significant sun exposure, or simply wish to have a comprehensive professional skin assessment, you are more than welcome to contact our clinic or book online for a full skin examination and expert assessment from our specialists.
By improving early detection, we can help change the future of melanoma in Australia
Author:Dr. Colin R McTari
MD, Fellowship in Dermatology
FAID, IFAAS, FSCI, ACAM (Laser)
Dermatology, Cosmetics, and Complex Skin Surgery
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