What should you know about de novo melanoma?

Melanoma begins in pigment-producing cells and can appear as a new dark or unusual mark rather than arising in a known mole. It may show asymmetry, an irregular edge, more than one colour, growth, or a change that stands out from nearby marks. Some melanomas are not very dark. A clinician confirms the diagnosis by examining the lesion and, when indicated, removing tissue for laboratory analysis. The result guides staging and treatment decisions.

Book a prompt dermatology appointment for a new or changing lesion; do not try to remove it at home. Take a clear photograph with a size reference and note when you first noticed the change. If melanoma is suspected or confirmed, care may include surgical excision, skin cancer surgery, or tumour removal surgery. Further evaluation can include a sentinel lymph node biopsy. More advanced disease may lead to discussion of immunotherapy and specialist follow-up.

Contact a clinician promptly if a mark changes in size, shape, colour, surface, or sensation, or if it bleeds, crusts, or remains sore. Seek urgent help for severe symptoms such as new weakness, confusion, seizure, or a severe persistent headache, particularly when melanoma has already been diagnosed. These symptoms require assessment and should not be explained away by the appearance of a skin mark.

Ask whether the lesion needs biopsy or excision, what the pathology report shows, and whether further staging is needed. Discuss the proposed surgical margin, lymph-node assessment, treatment choices, sun protection, and the schedule for follow-up after cancer treatment.