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Imaging in Cutaneous Melanoma: Current Workup, Surveillance, and Emerging Directions
Haley Willem1, Tyler Aguilar1, Arthur W Cowman1
1Saint John's Cancer Institute, Providence Health & Services, Division of Surgical Oncology, Borstein Family Melanoma Program, Laboratory of Cutaneous Oncology, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA.
Cancers
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Melanoma imaging has evolved from basic exams to advanced techniques for diagnosis, staging, and monitoring. Future innovations like AI and radiomics promise further advancements in cutaneous melanoma care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Historically, clinical evaluation and skin exams were primary for melanoma diagnosis.
- Modern melanoma care integrates multimodality imaging for staging, surgery guidance, therapy, and surveillance.
- Noninvasive techniques like dermoscopy and advanced imaging like CT, MRI, and PET/CT are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical evolution of melanoma imaging techniques.
- To discuss the development and current role of new imaging modalities.
- To explore the future impact of emerging technologies on melanoma patient care.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and current imaging modalities for cutaneous melanoma.
- Analysis of imaging's role in diagnosis, staging, treatment response, and surveillance.
- Discussion of challenges, controversies, and future technological advancements.
Main Results:
- Imaging has transitioned from symptom-driven radiography to a comprehensive multimodality approach.
- New technologies like AI and radiomics are poised to further transform melanoma imaging.
- Standardized surveillance protocols for low-risk melanoma patients remain debated.
Conclusions:
- Imaging plays a pivotal role throughout the melanoma patient journey, from detection to surveillance.
- Adapting interpretation frameworks, such as iRECIST, is necessary for immune-based therapies.
- Continued technological innovation is expected to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy in melanoma.
