Receive Your Melanoma Skin Check Today

Unless you are a qualified skin cancer professional, it will be difficult to perform a self-diagnosis on most melanomas. However, there are steps you can take to determine whether you need to book in for a melanoma scan at Avatar Imaging.

The first test you can complete is the ABCDE rule.

1. Asymmetry: One half of the mole is different from the other.

2. Border: The edges of the mole are irregular.

3. Colour: The colour of the mole is uneven.

4. Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 mm. In rare cases, the melanoma can be smaller.

5. Evolving: Ensure you are monitoring your moles over time, as changes in them can be a signifying factor of melanoma.

The second test is to check for new or changing spots. A new mole may have appeared that differs from your other moles, or your existing spots may have changed their appearance.

Along with these self-tests, it is important to also understand if you have a high risk of melanoma skin cancers. Those with fair skin and hair, a family history of melanoma, or a large number of moles, should be consistently receiving skin checks by a qualified healthcare professional.

If any of your moles or spots are of concern to you, book a consultation with our friendly team at Avatar Imaging. All of the images from our skin checks you will have access to, therefore, you can use these images to assist in your skin self-exam to keep on top of your health.

1. There are 7 different types of melanomas that you can be diagnosed with.

2. Superficial Spreading Melanoma: The most common type, appearing as a flat or slightly raised discoloured patch.

3. Nodular Melanoma: Usually appears as a raised bump, often dark in colour, and grows more quickly.

4. Lentigo Maligna Melanoma: Starts as a large, flat tan or brown patch, commonly on sun-exposed areas in older adults.

5. Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: Occurs on non-sun-exposed areas like the palms, soles, or under nails, and is more common in people with darker skin tones.

6. Desmoplastic Melanoma: Rare and often appears as a firm, skin-coloured or slightly pigmented nodule.

7. Mucosal Melanoma: Develops on mucous membranes, such as inside the mouth or nasal passages.

8. Ocular Melanoma: Occurs in the eye, most commonly in the uvea (the middle layer of the eye).

9. Each melanoma must be found early to ensure easy treatment.

Our skin cancer screening process checks for all types of skin cancer. In checking for melanoma, we will also be able to identify if there is a risk of Basal Cell Carcinoma and/or Squamous Cell Carcinoma.