What should you know about first stage melanoma?

Stage one means the melanoma is confined to the skin at diagnosis. Doctors refine the stage using the biopsy report, including how deeply the tumour has grown and whether the surface is ulcerated. A visible mole or patch cannot show its stage by itself. Melanoma may appear as a changing dark spot, an irregular border, several colours, or a lesion that stands out from others. These features are reasons for assessment, not proof of cancer. See the broader guide to [Melanoma](/conditions/melanoma/).

Your clinician may examine the rest of your skin and nearby lymph nodes. Further testing is selected according to the pathology result and examination rather than automatically performed for every person.

Keep the appointment arranged for examination or biopsy, and bring a list of medicines and any earlier photographs of the lesion. Do not pick, cut, or repeatedly irritate the area. If melanoma is confirmed, [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) removes the lesion and a planned margin. Depending on its thickness, your team may discuss [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy/). Follow-up may include regular skin checks and [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/post-treatment-surveillance/).

Arrange prompt review for a mole that changes in size, shape, colour, or sensation, or for a new pigmented spot that looks different from the rest. Seek urgent help for persistent bleeding, a rapidly enlarging lesion, severe pain, or spreading redness with fever. These symptoms need medical attention but do not by themselves identify melanoma or determine its stage.

Ask what the biopsy shows, which features establish stage one, whether further surgery is needed, and how the wound will be cared for. Ask how often your skin and lymph nodes should be checked, which changes to report, and whether relatives need general skin-awareness advice.