A suspicious mole:

What is a Melanoma?

Sometimes it appears out of nowhere, other times it develops from an existing mole. A melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer. Metastasis often occurs quickly, which is why early detection and recognition of melanomas is so important.
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How do you recognize a melanoma?

1
Asymmetry
The mole has an irregular shape.
2
Border
The mole has jagged, irregular, or undefined edges.
3
Color
The mole has multiple colors, such as brown, red, white, black, or gray.
4
Diameter
Melanomas are often larger than 6 mm, but not always. They can also start as small as the tip of a pencil.
5
Change
The mole changes over time — in size, shape, color, or behavior (such as itching or bleeding).
*Do you recognize one or more of these signs? If so, contact your GP or your dermatologist.

Where Do They Occur?

Skin cancer is characterized by the abnormal growth of skin cells and usually develops on areas of the skin exposed to the sun. However, in addition to this common form, it can also appear on parts of the body that are typically not exposed to sunlight, such as between the toes.
Are you a high-risk patient, and does your GP suspect a melanoma?
Book an appointment

Other Forms of Skin Cancer

In addition to melanoma, there are three other main types of skin cancer. These can also be detected using Dermazoom’s scan and AI technology.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most common type of skin cancer, but also the least dangerous, and it grows slowly. A basal cell carcinoma develops in the basal cells of the epidermis and usually appears on sun-exposed areas like the face and neck. The risk of metastasis is low, but it can still cause damage if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma often occurs on sun-damaged skin such as the head, neck, hands, and arms. While it grows faster than basal cell carcinoma, it is generally treatable if detected early.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but highly aggressive form of skin cancer. It originates in the Merkel cells and often appears on sun-damaged areas like the face. This cancer type grows rapidly and spreads quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
What Factors Increase the Risk of Skin Cancer?
Anyone with one or more of the following risk factors has an increased likelihood of developing skin cancer. It is recommended to carefully monitor your moles.
  • Severely sunburned, especially during childhood
  • Having five or more atypical moles
  • Having more than one hundred moles
  • Having a weakened immune system
  • Having a hereditary predisposition
  • Having fair or light skin
Schedule an intake consultation
Contact your GP or dermatologist. If you have a referral, book a Dermazoom appointment.

Facts About Skin Cancer

Most Common Type of Cancer in the Netherlands
Skin cancer is highly prevalent: each year, approximately 77,000 people in the Netherlands are diagnosed with skin cancer. It is the most common and fastest-growing type of cancer in the country.
Timely Diagnosis Matters
Early detection is critical: identifying skin cancer at an early stage is essential for successful treatment.
Prevention, Prevention, Prevention
Prevention is key: apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50, wear protective clothing, and avoid sun exposure between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. These measures help reduce the risk of skin cancer.
(Harmful) UV Radiation
Your skin has memory: exposure to (harmful) UV radiation is accumulated in your skin starting from birth.
Tanning Beds?
Artificial sunlight is dangerous: UV radiation from tanning beds can also cause severe types of skin cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

If melanoma is suspected, it is usually removed under local anesthesia and examined by a pathologist. Depending on the results, a second surgery may be necessary to remove additional skin around the scar. For thicker tumors, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may also be required. The type of skin cancer determines whether further treatment is needed. For more information, visit the website of the skin cancer clinic: Dr. Brinkmann Clinic.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely prevent melanoma. However, you can significantly reduce the risk by taking preventive measures:

  1. Protect your skin from UV radiation by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen with a high SPF, even on cloudy days;
  2. Avoid tanning beds, as artificial UV light increases the risk of developing melanoma;
  3. Regularly check your skin for changes in moles;
  4. Know your risk factors such as fair skin, numerous moles, and family history;
  5. If you are uncertain or worried about a possible melanoma, consult a doctor or book our scan.

Regularly examine your skin for suspicious spots, paying special attention to new moles or changes in existing ones. Since not all melanomas are visible to the naked eye, it is advisable to have suspicious spots evaluated by your GP. The GP will determine whether further investigation with Dermazoom’s scan, zoom, and AI technologies is necessary.

If you are a high-risk patient, we recommend a check-up at Dermazoom twice a year. This allows us to detect changes quickly, increasing the chances of early detection and successful treatment.

Early detection is performed using our advanced skin scan, which maps every millimeter of your skin within milliseconds. A dermatologist reviews your images and provides a report.

The sun is the primary cause of skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun causes discoloration, burns, and in some cases, damage to the skin. The body can repair damaged cells, but not always successfully. When repair fails, uncontrolled cell growth and cancer cell formation can occur. Prolonged or intense exposure—such as during sunny vacations or tanning beds—increases the risk of skin cancer. Protect your skin by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding the sun between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Read clearly how a skin scan works at Dermazoom.