Before summer arrives, it’s the perfect time to get to know your skin. With melanoma rates among the highest in the world, proactive skin monitoring can make all the difference. Skinscape 360 in Takapuna brings leading-edge 3D skin surveillance technology to the North Shore, helping people establish a detailed skin baseline and monitor changes over time. Chief Dermoscopist Clare Gunn discusses the benefits of advanced imaging, AI's role in skin surveillance, and why spring is the ideal time to book a professional skin check.
Channel Mag: Skinscape 360 opened earlier this year, bringing the VECTRA WB360 to Takapuna. What has the response been?
Clare Gunn: People are amazed by how quick and straightforward the experience is. The VECTRA WB360 uses 92 HR images to capture the skin from multiple angles simultaneously, creating a detailed 3D avatar – or 'digital skin twin' – in approximately one second. This is followed by a full-body skin examination and dermoscopy of any lesions requiring a closer look. Patients appreciate receiving advanced imaging and human clinical expertise in one appointment.
What have you learned since introducing this technology to the North Shore?
One of the biggest lessons is how much reassurance can come from establishing an accurate baseline. People often arrive worried about one particular mole, but the greatest value is being able to assess their skin as a whole. At future appointments, we can compare their images and identify new or changing lesions that might otherwise be difficult to notice.
Who should people trust to perform a skin check? Can someone have a scan at Skinscape 360 and then return to their usual skin doctor?
Look for an appropriately trained and experienced health professional who examines the entire skin surface, uses dermoscopy and has a clear pathway for investigating or referring suspicious lesions.
Yes, patients can come to Skinscape 360 for imaging and then return to their GP, dermatologist or skin cancer doctor for ongoing care. We support a shared-care approach and can provide the relevant information to the patient’s usual clinician.
Who is most likely to benefit from 3D skin surveillance?
It can be particularly valuable for people who have previously had melanoma, have many or unusual-looking moles, a strong family history of melanoma, fair or sun-sensitive skin, or significant lifetime sun exposure. It can also help people who find it difficult to monitor areas such as their back. The appropriate type and frequency of surveillance should always be based on each person’s individual risk.
If someone has already had a melanoma removed, how often should their skin be monitored?
There is no single schedule that suits everyone. Follow-up depends on factors including the melanoma's stage, the person’s other risk factors and the recommendations of their treating specialist. People with a history of melanoma should have an individual follow-up plan. They should not wait for their next scheduled appointment if they notice something new or changing.
What changes should people look for?
Look for a spot that is new, changing or simply looks different from the others – the 'ugly duckling'. The 'ABCDE' guide is also useful: asymmetry, an irregular border, multiple or changing colours, increasing diameter and evolution over time. A spot that bleeds, crusts, itches, becomes tender or grows rapidly should also be assessed. If something concerns you, have it checked rather than waiting to see what happens.
How can monitoring the skin over time help with early detection?
A melanoma does not always look obviously dangerous at a single point in time. Sequential imaging allows us to compare the skin with a reliable baseline and look for subtle changes. Technology supports this process, but it does not replace clinical judgement, dermoscopy or biopsy when one is needed.
How is artificial intelligence helping with skin surveillance?
AI provides a valuable second set of eyes. It can analyse the many lesions captured by the VECTRA WB360, highlight lesions with unusual features and help draw our attention to spots that may require closer examination. At follow-up appointments, the system can also help identify new or changing lesions that might otherwise be difficult to notice.
The technology is continually being refined. As Canfield develops and evaluates its software using growing image datasets and expert clinical input, updated versions can become better at recognising patterns and supporting skin surveillance.
Importantly, AI does not diagnose melanoma on its own or replace an experienced clinician. It is a powerful decision-support tool that combines machine precision with human judgement, helping us examine the skin consistently and focus our attention where it matters most.
What does early detection mean for a patient?
When melanoma is detected at an early, thin stage, treatment is generally simpler, and the outlook is considerably better. Early detection may mean removing a lesion with surgery before it has had the opportunity to spread. That is why knowing your skin and seeking advice promptly about a new or changing lesion matters.
What is the one thing you would like readers to do before summer?
Take your skin seriously. Check it yourself, ask someone to help with areas you cannot see and arrange a professional assessment.
Spring is also an ideal time to establish a photographic baseline before another summer of sun exposure.
Supporting Melanoma New Zealand this October
Throughout October, Skinscape 360 will donate $20 from every full VECTRA scan package purchased to give to Melanoma New Zealand, helping support its vital work in melanoma awareness, education and patient advocacy.
Establish a detailed baseline of your skin before summer while supporting an important cause. Book a VECTRA WB360 scan and full-body skin check at Skinscape 360 in Takapuna.
Go in the draw with Skinscape 360 and Channel Mag to win a Vectra scan and skin cancer check with dermoscopy,
valued at $449.
T&Cs apply - channelmag/win - Entries close Friday 30 October.
3 Anzac Street, Level 2, Takapuna
09 8699 360 skinscape360.co.nz
