What should you know about early stage melanoma?

Melanoma may appear as a new mark or a change in an existing mole: uneven colour, an irregular border, one half unlike the other, growth, or a new symptom such as bleeding or persistent itching. A skin examination cannot determine the full stage by appearance alone. A biopsy shows whether melanoma is present and provides features that guide the next decision, including how deeply it extends and whether additional assessment is useful.

See a dermatologist or skin cancer team and bring attention to any changing mark rather than covering it with cosmetic products. The main local treatment is usually removal of the melanoma with an appropriate margin; this may be called [Surgical Excision] or [Skin Cancer Surgery]. Some people need wider [Tumour Removal Surgery] or further staging, while others need only skin checks after local treatment. Treatment such as [Immunotherapy] is considered according to stage and individual findings, not simply because a mole looks unusual.

Arrange a timely appointment for a mark that changes in size, shape, colour, or surface, or develops bleeding, crusting, pain, or persistent itch. Seek urgent medical help for severe illness, new neurological symptoms, or sudden breathing difficulty. These symptoms do not diagnose [Brain Metastases], but they require assessment rather than waiting for a routine skin check.

Ask what the biopsy shows, what margin is planned, whether further staging is indicated, and how the procedure may affect the site. Ask how to examine your skin, protect it from ultraviolet exposure, and schedule [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment].