Melanoma Risk

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It can spread quickly if not detected and removed early. New Zealand consistently reports among the highest melanoma rates and the world’s highest melanoma mortality — so timely, specialist checks really do save lives. At DermLab, a Dermatologist performs your skin check, explains findings in plain language, and arranges biopsy or surgery the same day when needed.

Signs to Watch (ABCDE + 'Ugly Duckling')

  • A – Asymmetry: one half differs from the other

  • B – Border: irregular, notched, or blurred

  • C – Colour: uneven (brown/black/red/blue/white)

  • D – Diameter: larger than ~6 mm

  • E – Evolving: any change, or new symptoms (itch, bleed) Also trust the 'ugly duckling' sign: a spot that just looks different to your other moles.

Who’s at Higher Risk

  • A personal or family history of melanoma

  • Fair or sun-sensitive skin; red or blond hair; light eye colour

  • Many moles or atypical ('unusual') moles

  • Past sunburns or regular outdoor exposure(work or sport)

  • Sunbed use

  • Immunosuppression

Skin Checks at DermLab

  • Full-body skin examination with dermatoscopy

  • Targeted, same-day excision biopsy for suspicious lesions

  • Clear results and next steps explained by your Dermatologist

Prevention & Follow-up

  • Personalised follow-up schedule based on your risk/stage

  • Practical sun protection: shade, clothing, hats, sunglasses, and daily sunscreen (especially for longer outdoor time — even at lower UVI).

Low UV Isn’t 'No Risk'

Skin damage depends on dose (intensity ~ time). Even at low UV Index, longer exposure can still cause DNA damage — for fair skin, about 1 hour at UVI 3 is enough.

Estimated time to DNA damage at winter peak (June) when UVI is < 3:

  • Auckland: UVI ~1.8 ~100 minutes

  • Wellington:UVI ~1.1 ~164 minutes

  • Christchurch: UVI ~0.9 ~200 minutes

  • Otago: UVI ~0.8 ~225 minutes

  • Invercargill: UVI ~0.5 ~360 minutes

(Estimates for fair skin; darker skin types take longer. Source data: Stats NZ UVI; calculations presented by Skintel.)

Takeaway: On bright winter days, extended outdoor time can still add up to a damaging dose — use sun protection for longer exposures even when the UV feels 'low'.

Diagnosis & Treatment

  • Excision biopsy confirms the diagnosis and Breslow thickness

  • Wide local excision for confirmed melanoma (evidence-based margins)

  • Multidisciplinary coordination (e.g., sentinel lymph node biopsy or oncology care) when indicated (Mohs surgery isn’t used for melanoma; standard excision with appropriate margins is the guideline-based approach.)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most adults in NZ benefit from annual checks; higher-risk patients may need more frequent reviews.

  • Yes — early, complete excision is highly effective. The key is not waiting on changing or new dark spots.

  • If you’ll be outdoors for extended periods, yes. Low UVI can still cause cumulative DNA damage over time.

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We know skin, and want you to be comfortable in yours. Let’s discuss your concerns and how to reclaim health and confidence.