3D Skin Surveillance in San Francisco

3D skin surveillance utilizes the Vectra 360 imaging system to create a comprehensive map of the entire skin surface. This technology allows for tracking moles and lesions over time, which supports earlier detection of skin cancer.

Setting a New Standard in Skin Cancer Surveillance

Susana Ortiz Urda, MD, PhD, MBA, brings 3D skin surveillance to The Maas Clinic as an extension of her work as Director of the UCSF Melanoma Program, where she oversees clinical trials and a laboratory focused on melanoma genetics. By combining Vectra 360 3D imaging, AI-powered dermoscopy, and her own clinical expertise, Dr. Ortiz Urda offers patients a continuous, non-invasive layer of monitoring built for early detection, long-term tracking, and personalized intervention.

What Is Vectra 360 3D Skin Surveillance?

Vectra 360 uses high-resolution, macro cross-polarized cameras to capture a comprehensive 3D map of a patient's entire skin surface in a single session. That map becomes the patient's baseline, giving Dr. Ortiz Urda a precise reference point to compare against at every future visit. The Maas Clinic's Vectra 360 is expected to be among the first such platforms available to patients in Northern California.

Benefits of 3D Skin Surveillance

The American Academy of Dermatology states that the five-year survival rate for melanoma detected before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 99%. In contrast, the survival rate drops to 35% once the cancer has metastasized to distant sites. This highlights the importance of structured, ongoing surveillance for patients who are at risk.

Other benefits include the following:

Establishes a complete, high-resolution baseline of the skin for future comparison
Detects subtle changes in moles and lesions that may be missed on visual exam alone
Combines imaging with AI-assisted dermoscopy for closer analysis of individual lesions
Supports a personalized, ongoing monitoring plan rather than a single point-in-time exam
Gives patients and Dr. Ortiz Urda a shared visual record to review at each visit

Are You a Candidate for 3D Skin Surveillance?

Vectra 360 surveillance is best suited to patients who want a higher level of skin cancer monitoring, including those with:

A personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
A high number of moles or atypical (dysplastic) nevi
Fair skin, significant sun exposure, or a history of indoor tanning
A general interest in establishing a long-term skin health baseline

Serving San Francisco with Exceptional Skin Surveillance

Dr. Ortiz Urda's clinical practice is grounded directly in her research. She has authored more than 55 peer-reviewed publications, including studies in Science, JAMA Dermatology, and Nature Communications Medicine, and is the lead author of Melanoma: From Diagnosis to Therapy (Springer, 2024). She earned her MD and PhD from the University of Vienna, trained at Stanford University, and completed a dermatologic oncology fellowship at UCSF, where she now directs the Melanoma Program. Patients at The Maas Clinic gain access to that expertise for routine surveillance, not only advanced disease management.

What to Expect: The 3D Skin Surveillance Protocols

Vectra 360 Whole Body Imaging (Required First Step)

This 45-minute session captures a complete 3D map of the skin using the Vectra 360's macro cross-polarized cameras, establishing the baseline for every subsequent protocol.

AI-Powered Dermoscopy

In about 30 minutes, this protocol applies advanced algorithmic analysis to individual lesions for closer diagnostic detail and more precise tracking over time.

Digital Mole Mapping

Over approximately 45 minutes, this protocol tracks individual nevi across visits to help identify microscopic-level changes not visible to the naked eye.

Longitudinal Skin Monitoring

This 45-minute protocol compares a patient's current skin condition against their established baseline to identify meaningful deviations as they occur.

Personalized Risk Assessment

In roughly 45 minutes, this evaluation combines a patient's imaging results with genetic, phenotypic, and environmental risk factors to build an individualized skin cancer risk profile.

3D Skin Surveillance FAQs

How long does the first Vectra 360 session take?

The initial Whole Body Imaging session takes about 45 minutes and is required before any other surveillance protocol.

How often should I repeat imaging?

Frequency depends on individual risk factors. Dr. Ortiz Urda sets a personalized monitoring schedule based on each patient's history and initial findings.

Does insurance cover 3D skin surveillance?

Coverage depends on individual insurance plans and medical necessity. The Maas Clinic's team can help patients understand their options during scheduling.

Contact The Maas Clinic

To learn more about 3D skin surveillance with Dr. Ortiz Urda, book your consultation today.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.