What should you know about evolving melanoma?

Melanoma may change in size, shape, colour, or surface, and it can develop itching, bleeding, crusting, or a new lump. Change is a warning feature, not proof of cancer: benign moles and irritated lesions can also evolve. A clinician examines the spot and may use dermoscopy before deciding whether a biopsy or complete removal is needed. A breast lump-style inference is unsafe here too; a changing lesion should be assessed rather than self-diagnosed.

Book a prompt skin examination, especially if one lesion looks different from your other marks or has changed without a clear injury. Photographing it beside a ruler can help show change, but it does not replace examination. Do not cut, burn, or repeatedly scratch the lesion. If melanoma is confirmed, care may include surgical excision and, depending on stage, lymph-node assessment, follow-up, or immunotherapy.

Seek prompt medical review for a rapidly changing, bleeding, ulcerated, painful, or persistently itchy mole, or for a new dark mark that does not settle. Seek urgent help for uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading redness, or severe illness.

Ask whether the lesion needs dermoscopy or biopsy, when results will be available, what stage information means, whether nearby lymph nodes need assessment, and how follow-up will be organised.