Genital melanoma symptoms: what to know

Possible signs include a new or enlarging pigmented spot, uneven colour, an irregular outline, itching, tenderness, ulceration, bleeding, or a lesion that does not heal. It can occur on external genital skin or on nearby mucosal tissue, so colour may be brown, black, red, pink, or mixed rather than uniformly dark. These features do not diagnose cancer; irritation, infection, and benign growths can look similar. A clinician may inspect the area with magnification and recommend a biopsy if the appearance is concerning.

Arrange a dermatology or gynaecology/urology assessment for a new, changing, bleeding, or persistent lesion. Do not scrape, burn, or apply unprescribed products to it. Note when it began, what changed, and whether there is pain, discharge, or a nearby lump. If melanoma is confirmed, care may include surgical excision, skin cancer surgery, or tumour removal surgery; staging can guide whether a sentinel lymph node biopsy or immunotherapy is discussed.

Seek prompt clinical review for bleeding without a clear cause, an open sore, rapid enlargement, marked colour change, or a firm groin lump. Seek urgent help if bleeding is heavy, pain is severe, fever accompanies a worsening wound, or you feel acutely unwell. A symptom alone does not establish melanoma, but persistent or changing genital lesions should not be watched indefinitely.

Ask whether the lesion needs a biopsy, what other diagnoses were considered, how results will be explained, and which examination or imaging is appropriate if melanoma is found. Ask how often follow-up is needed and whom to contact if the area changes.