What should you know about flesh-colored melanoma?

Melanoma develops from pigment-producing cells, but some lesions contain little visible brown or black pigment. They may appear pink, red, pale, or skin-coloured and can be mistaken for an irritated spot, wart, or benign lump. Changes in size, shape, surface, sensation, or bleeding matter more than colour alone. A flesh-coloured spot does not by itself establish melanoma, and most skin changes have other explanations; only examination and, when needed, tissue testing can clarify the diagnosis. Read more about [Melanoma](/conditions/melanoma/).

Book a dermatology appointment for a lesion that is new, evolving, asymmetrical, firm, persistently crusted, or unlike your other marks. Take a clear photograph beside a ruler and note when you first noticed the change, but do not delay an appointment to monitor it for a long period. The clinician may use dermoscopy and recommend [Excisional Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) or another form of [Skin Cancer Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-cancer-surgery/) if removal and laboratory examination are appropriate. Avoid cutting, burning, or picking at the lesion yourself.

Seek prompt review for bleeding without clear injury, an open sore that does not heal, rapid enlargement, persistent crusting, new pain, or a lesion that becomes raised. Urgent medical help is appropriate for heavy bleeding or signs of infection such as spreading redness, warmth, pus, or fever. If melanoma is diagnosed, staging may include a [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy/) and treatment may involve surgery or [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/).

Ask what features make the lesion concerning, whether dermoscopy or biopsy is needed, and how quickly it should be assessed. If testing confirms melanoma, ask about its depth, whether further [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/) is needed, and what follow-up will involve. Treatment planning depends on the confirmed stage, not on colour alone.