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How does a melanoma develop?
Many people believe that melanomas - i.e. black skin cancer - primarily arise from the degeneration of an existing mole. Although this can happen, it is not the most common case:
studies show that around 80 % of all melanomas develop on previously healthy skin, i.e. not from an existing mole.The illustration above shows the development of a melanoma over time - from the very first signs (left) to an advanced tumor stage (right).
In the early stages, melanomas often look harmless and inconspicuous - almost like normal moles. The change occurs gradually. The earlier they are discovered, the more subtle and difficult it is to distinguish them from benign skin changes.
With the VECTRA 3D full-body scanner, we can capture your skin with millimetre precision and use artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically detect even the smallest changes over time.
New lesions or changing moles are highlighted - long before they are visible to the naked eye.
But technology alone is not enough:
Only in combination with the experience of our skin cancer specialists can the AI-supported data be precisely evaluated and correctly classified in the overall medical context.Early detection saves lives - especially in the case of melanoma. Make an appointment now for precise skin cancer screening with VECTRA 3D at derma utoquai Zurich.
Meet VECTRA: Whole-body imaging powered by AI
The VECTRA WB360 is one of the most advanced skin imaging systems in the world.
With 92 high-resolution cameras, it captures a complete 3D model of your skin in less than a second - enabling early detection of even the smallest changes.
This AI-powered platform helps dermatologists detect patterns and anomalies that may be hidden from the human eye. It is a powerful tool for accurate skin analysis, mole tracking, and reliable early diagnosis.
Prof. Braun is the founder and creator of Dermoscopy.ch, the scientifically oriented online platform for advanced training in dermoscopy and early detection of skin cancer: it offers video-based courses, teaching materials (including the revised "2-Step-Algorithm"). The course is recognized with 11 CME credits by the Swiss Society of Dermatology and Venereology. Almost 2000 doctors from all over the world have already completed Prof. Braun's online courses.
Prof. Dr. Med. Ralph Braun
Professor Braun is a dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Most recently, he was head of the skin cancer screening program at the Dermatology Clinic of the University Hospital Zurich for 18 years and deputy head of the Zurich Skin Cancer Center.
Over the past three decades, he has dedicated himself to clinical research and medical education and training in the field of skin cancer diagnostics:
As founder and editor of the evidence-based online encyclopedia dermoscopedia.org, he has been able to reach numerous users worldwide with over 10 million page views - predominantly physicians who use dermoscopy in their daily practice.
In addition, he has personally trained tens of thousands of doctors over the years through international and national research lectures.
Over 2,000 dermatologists have successfully completed structured online courses.
His numerous textbooks on dermoscopy serve as a reference in daily diagnostics for several thousand specialists worldwide.
Over the past 30 years, his clinical work at the Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève and the University Hospital of Zurich has seen him actively supervise and train well over 100 residents in specialist training.
Through his work as a professor at the Université de Genève and the University of Zurich, he has been able to inspire thousands of students for the subject of dermatology and skin cancer. He has also supervised more than 18 master's and doctoral students.
Aufklärung zur Hautkrebsprävention
Basalzellkarzinom (BCC) – die häufigste Form von Hautkrebs
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer worldwide. It mainly affects people with fair skin, but can also occur in darker skin types. Typical signs are flesh-colored lumps, pearl-like bumps or pink skin spots. BCC usually develop after years of UV exposure from the sun or solarium. They are most common on the head, face, neck and arms, but can occur anywhere on the body. Early diagnosis is important: if left untreated, basal cell carcinomas can grow deep into the skin and damage tissue, nerves and bones.
Squamous cell carcinoma or spinocellular carcinoma (SCC) - the second most common skin cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma (PEC) usually develops on light-damaged skin - for example on the face, lips, ears, neck, arms or hands. It often appears as a rough, scaly patch of skin, a non-healing wound or a thickened lump. PECs grow faster than basal cell carcinomas and, if not detected early, can invade deeper layers of the skin and metastasize. Early treatment is crucial to avoid complications and enable complete healing.
Malignant melanoma - the most dangerous skin cancer
Some people develop dry, scaly patches on their skin called actinic keratoses (AK). AK is also caused by too much sun, but it is not skin cancer. AK is a precancerous skin growth that can develop into a common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. People who develop AK usually have fair skin. AKs usually form on skin that gets a lot of sun, such as the head, neck, hands, and forearms. Because AK can develop into a type of skin cancer, treatment is important.
The ABCDEs of skin cancer detection
Asymmetry
A
One half of the mole doesn't match the other half. Healthy moles are usually symmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle, the two sides should look similar. Asymmetry is a warning sign.
Border
B
The edges of the mole are irregular, blurred, notched, or wavy. Normal moles have smooth, even edges. Uneven edges can be a sign of skin cancer.
Color
C
The mole has multiple colors or an uneven color distribution. It can contain various shades of brown, light brown, or black—and sometimes red, white, or blue spots. A uniform color is typical of a harmless mole.
Diameter
D
The spot is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller. It's important to monitor any growing mole.
Evolution
E
The spot changes in size, shape, color, or height—or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting appear. This development is one of the most important signs of skin cancer.
Informative Video-Serie
3D body scanning technology
Entdecken Sie, wie die 3D-Körperscannertechnologie die Hautkrebserkennung und -vorsorge revolutioniert.
AI-Analyse in der Dermatologie
Erfahren Sie mehr über den innovativen Einsatz von KI-Analysen in der Dermatologie für genaue Hautbeurteilungen.
Personalisierte Behandlungspläne
Verstehen Sie, wie wir Behandlungspläne auf die individuellen Bedürfnisse der Hautgesundheit abstimmen.
Prof. Dr. med. Ralph P. Braun is the founder and owner of Dermoscopedia (dermoscopedia.org). Dermoscopedia is an evidence-based, online encyclopedia on dermoscopy, published in collaboration with the International Dermoscopy Society. It is considered the Wikipedia of dermoscopy and has so far recorded over 10 million (!!!) page visits from doctors and dermatologists from all over the world.
Discover the foundational dermoscopy curriculum developed for certification in dermatology and venereology. Developed through international expert consensus and grounded in evidence-based principles, the Dermoscopedia Academy provides a comprehensive foundation in dermoscopy to help you achieve clinical excellence. Start your journey today!
Expertenressourcen zur Hautgesundheit
Hier finden Sie weitere Ressourcen mit ausführlichen Informationen über Hautkrebsprävention, Früherkennung und dermatologische Versorgung.
Sensibilisierung für Hautkrebs
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AI in der Dermatologie
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State-of-the-art skin care
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Luxuriöse Hautbehandlungen
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