Tiny 'almost invisible' symptom found under woman's eye could have killed her

03 May 2023 , 08:52

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Joanna Ludzik talks through the work (Image: OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

The world's smallest skin cancer measuring just 0.65 millimetres has been discovered by state-of-the-art technology as it was almost invisible to the naked eye.

The tiny spot was on Christy Staats’ cheek just below her eye and was melanoma - the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

The scientists at Oregon Health & Science University's non-invasive techniques allowed them to look at Ms Staats’ skin without the need to cut into it.

On 1 May, a judge from the Guinness World Records awarded the team involved with a certificate recognising their life-saving discovery.

Professor Alexander Witkowski said: “What our team accomplished together embodies my personal mission statement: ‘Catch the inevitable, early'."

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OHSU patient Christy Staats, right, speaks with an event attendee (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Ms Staats has since emphasised the importance of being able to access treatment, stating that she was in the “right place at the right time … with the right technology”.

“If they can find mine when it’s so early, it is a no-brainer that this technology can help other people.

“It’s an important reminder that you can’t get lazy with your skin. You have to stay on top of it and get new things checked out.”

To mark Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, the team has launched Start Seeing Melanoma, a public health campaign designed to raise awareness.

Guinness World Records recognises a team of OHSU dermatologists for the world’s smallest skin cancer detected (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

“With melanoma, your eyes really can be your best tool," said Sancy Leachman, chair of the Department of Dermatology in the OHSU School of Medicine.

"A mole or spot on your skin that is changing in appearance — size, shape, colouration — is a key indicator for melanoma."

In the UK, 2,341 people died from melanoma between 2017 and 2019.

Kelly-Ann Mills