What should you know about esmo melanoma?

This phrase may be a search term, shorthand, or reference to melanoma care. Melanoma is a cancer of pigment-producing cells and can begin in skin or, less often, other sites. A suspicious mark is not proof of melanoma; diagnosis requires examination and usually tissue assessment.

If melanoma is confirmed, clinicians assess the primary site, depth, nearby lymph nodes, and whether there is disease elsewhere. The findings guide whether surgery alone or additional treatment is discussed. A page about melanoma cannot determine the stage of an individual lesion.

Photograph a changing mark beside a ruler, note when you first noticed change, and book a dermatology appointment. Do not pick, burn, or attempt to remove a suspicious mole at home. Assessment may include dermoscopy and, when appropriate, [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) or another biopsy approach.

For confirmed melanoma, ask how the pathology report affects the next step. Some people are offered a [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy/), wider [Skin Cancer Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-cancer-surgery/), or systemic treatment such as [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/).

Arrange prompt assessment for a mole or patch that is changing in size, shape, colour, border, or symptoms, especially if it bleeds or does not heal. Seek urgent help for severe new headache, seizure, weakness, confusion, or vision change in someone with known advanced melanoma; these symptoms need immediate evaluation and do not identify the cause on their own.

What does “esmo melanoma” refer to in my report or search result? Do I need dermoscopy, biopsy, or [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/)? What does the pathology show, and is follow-up surveillance or further treatment needed?