Dermatology · Skin health

Skin melanoma

Recognise a suspicious lesion and understand melanoma diagnosis.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes that can spread to other organs.

A new mole or lesion changing in size, shape or colour, bleeding or itching should be assessed.

Ultraviolet exposure is the main cause; fair skin, many moles and personal or family history increase risk.

A dermatologist examines the lesion and confirms diagnosis by excision and pathology.

Thickness and other features guide staging; sentinel-node testing or imaging is used selectively.

When found early it is often treated surgically; spread risk depends partly on stage.

Surgery is central; immunotherapy, targeted therapy or radiotherapy may be offered by stage.

Promptly show any new, unusual or changing lesion, including under a nail, on palms or soles.

Persistent heavy bleeding or acute illness needs prompt help; a suspicious lesion mainly requires assessment without avoidable delay.

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.