Skin Cancer Education
Melanoma
The most dangerous form of skin cancer — but highly treatable when caught early.
What Is Melanoma?
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It develops in the melanocytes — the cells that give skin its colour. Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world, with approximately 17,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
Unlike BCC and SCC, melanoma can spread rapidly to lymph nodes and other organs if not detected and treated early. However, the prognosis for early-stage melanoma is excellent — the 5-year survival rate for Stage I melanoma exceeds 95%. This is why regular professional skin checks and knowing the warning signs are so critically important.
Melanoma can develop as a new mole or in an existing mole that changes. It can occur anywhere on the body — including areas not typically exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet, between toes, and under nails.
The ABCDE Warning Signs
Use the ABCDE method to assess your moles. Any mole that meets one or more of these criteria should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible:
Asymmetry
One half of the mole doesn't match the other half in shape or colour
Border
Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred rather than smooth and even
Colour
Multiple colours within the same mole — brown, black, red, white, or blue
Diameter
Larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller
Evolution
Any change in size, shape, colour, or elevation, or any new symptom like bleeding or itching
The "Ugly Duckling" sign: A mole that looks different from all your other moles — the "odd one out" — should also be assessed, even if it doesn't meet the ABCDE criteria.
Risk Factors
UV Exposure & Sunburn
Intermittent intense sun exposure and blistering sunburns — especially in childhood — significantly increase melanoma risk
Many Moles
Having more than 50 common moles or any atypical (dysplastic) moles increases the risk substantially
Family History
A first-degree relative with melanoma approximately doubles your risk. Some families carry gene mutations (e.g. CDKN2A) that further elevate risk
Fair Complexion
People with fair skin, light eyes, red or blonde hair, and a tendency to freckle or burn are at higher risk
Previous Melanoma
Having had one melanoma increases the risk of developing a second — regular surveillance is essential
Immunosuppression
Weakened immune systems, whether from medication or medical conditions, increase the risk of melanoma
Treatment at Our Clinic
Dr Ranjini is experienced in the detection and initial management of melanoma:
- Dermoscopic assessment — Using polarised dermoscopy, Dr Ranjini can identify suspicious features in moles that are invisible to the naked eye, enabling early detection before the melanoma has a chance to grow deeper.
- Excisional biopsy — If a lesion is suspicious for melanoma, it is completely excised with a narrow margin and sent for urgent pathological analysis. This provides the definitive diagnosis.
- Wide local excision — Once melanoma is confirmed, a wider excision is performed according to Australian clinical guidelines. The margin width depends on the thickness (Breslow depth) of the melanoma.
- Specialist referral — For thicker melanomas or those requiring sentinel lymph node biopsy, immunotherapy, or other advanced treatments, Dr Ranjini coordinates referrals to melanoma specialists and multidisciplinary teams.
Following treatment, Dr Ranjini provides a structured long-term surveillance program with regular dermoscopic reviews to monitor for recurrence or new melanomas.
When to See a Doctor
If you have a mole that is changing, a new mole that looks different from your others, or you meet any of the risk factors above, book a skin check without delay. With melanoma, the difference between early and late detection can be life-saving.
At Helios Skin Clinic, we take melanoma concerns seriously and will prioritise your appointment. No referral is needed.
When Was Your Last Skin Check?
Most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early. If you haven't had a professional skin check in the past 12 months — now is the time to act.
Book Your Skin Check (opens in new window)No referral needed. Most patients are seen within a week.