If you’re worried about a change to your skin - whether it’s an existing mole, or something new - be sure to see your GP or a skin specialist for assessment. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the next steps, and what happens if melanoma is confirmed.

If you are diagnosed with melanoma, further tests may be recommended to determine whether the cancer has spread, and to understand what stage of melanoma you have. These scans may include sentinel node study, CT, MRI, PET-CT, or other investigations to guide the next stage of treatment.  

Whilst your treatment plan will be unique to you, the typical pathway tends may include an initial assessment, then a biopsy and imaging for understanding the melanoma further, followed by a referral to specialists for treatment.  

Whatever the outcome, Allevia Radiology will support you on your journey to recovery and treatment.

Look for changes in the shape, colour, size, or texture of a mole or skin spot. The A-G guide helps identify suspicious lesions.

Anyone can develop melanoma, but risk is higher in people with fair skin, frequent sun exposure, a history of sunburn, or a family history of skin cancer.

Māori and Pacific people have a much lower chance of developing melanoma but often have more serious melanomas. It is skin type, not ethnicity that predicts risk.

Not always. Imaging is recommended depending on the thickness of the melanoma and whether there is concern about spread.

If detected early, Melanoma can have a very high survival rate. When the disease spreads to other parts of the body, treatment becomes more complex - therefore early detection is imperative to ensure you get the right treatment option.
 

You can visit melanoma.org.nz for more information on symptoms, treatment plans and more.

Melanoma often appears as a new spot on the skin or a change in an existing mole or freckle. The spot may look uneven in shape, have irregular edges, or show different colours such as brown, black, red, or pink. Some melanomas may become raised, itchy, crusted, or start to bleed. Others may look quite different from your other moles (sometimes called the “ugly duckling”). Some melanomas (called amelanotic melanoma) may have little or no pigment and can appear as a pink, red, or skin-coloured spot that is growing or does not heal.

Melanoma cannot be confirmed by looking at your skin alone. If you notice a new or unusual spot, or a change in an existing mole or freckle, it should be checked promptly by a GP, dermatologist, or qualified skin cancer doctor or nurse specialist.

A trained clinician will examine the spot using a dermatoscope – a specialised tool that allows a closer look at the skin. If needed, a biopsy may be performed and the diagnosis confirmed by histology (laboratory testing).

Melanoma can develop over months or many years. Some types grow slowly, while others grow quickly. Because melanoma can change over time, regular skin checks and paying attention to new or changing spots help detect melanoma early.

One way to look for signs of melanoma is by using Melanoma New Zealand’s A-G tool.

Asymmetry
One half is different from the other half

Border Irregularity
The edges are notched, uneven or blurred

Colour is uneven
Shades of brown, tan and black are present

Different
From other lesions (ugly duckling)

Evolving
Any change in growth, new or elevated

Firm
To the touch

Growing
Most are larger than 6mm and keep growing

Common signs include:
• A new spot or mole on the skin
• A change in size, shape, or colour of an existing mole
• Irregular or uneven edges
• Multiple colours within the same spot
• Itching, bleeding, or a sore that does not heal

Any new, unusual, or changing skin spot should be checked by a doctor.

Melanoma stages describe how far the cancer has grown or spread.

Stage 1: Early melanoma confined to the skin, usually thin.

Stage 2: Thicker melanoma still confined to the skin, higher risk.

Stage 3: Melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes or surrounding skin.

Stage 4: Melanoma has spread to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain.

Staging helps doctors decide the best treatment and estimate outcomes.