What should you know about carcinoma and melanoma?

Carcinoma usually begins in the skin’s surface cells, while melanoma develops from pigment-producing cells. A carcinoma may appear as a persistent scaly patch, sore, pearly bump or spot that bleeds or does not heal. Melanoma can arise in a new mark or an existing mole that changes in colour, shape, border or size. These signs can also have harmless explanations, so a visual clue cannot establish the diagnosis. [Melanoma](/conditions/melanoma/) is one specific type of skin cancer, not another name for every carcinoma.

Book a dermatology appointment for a changing, bleeding, crusting or non-healing lesion. The clinician may examine the whole skin surface and remove part or all of the lesion for laboratory analysis. Depending on the result and depth, care may include [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/), [Skin Cancer Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-cancer-surgery/), or a [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy/). More advanced melanoma may lead to discussion of [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/).

Arrange prompt review for a lesion that changes, repeatedly bleeds, forms a persistent crust, becomes painful, or fails to heal. Seek urgent attention for uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading redness after a procedure, or new neurological symptoms in someone already diagnosed with skin cancer. A diagnosis of spread may involve specialist evaluation, including assessment for [Brain Metastases](/conditions/brain-metastases/).

Ask which features prompted concern, whether a biopsy is needed, what the pathology shows, whether margins are clear, and how follow-up will be planned. If treatment is discussed, ask why [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/) or another option fits the diagnosis.