What should you know about granular melanoma?

A granular, rough or speckled surface can describe how a lesion looks, but it does not establish whether the lesion is melanoma. Melanoma is a skin cancer that can begin in pigment-producing cells and may appear as a changing mole or new dark mark. A clinician may use dermoscopy and remove part or all of the lesion for laboratory examination.

If melanoma is confirmed, the report helps determine depth and other features that guide staging. Some people may be offered a wider surgical excision, and selected cases may be assessed with a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Treatment depends on the individual findings rather than the word granular alone.

Book a prompt appointment with a dermatologist for a lesion that is changing in size, shape or colour, has uneven borders, bleeds, crusts or remains itchy. Photographing it for your own comparison can help document change, but it should not replace examination.

Bring details about when you first noticed it, previous skin cancers, family history, sun exposure and medicines. If melanoma is diagnosed, ask for a clear explanation of the pathology report, stage and treatment choices, which may include skin cancer surgery or immunotherapy.

Seek urgent medical advice for uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly worsening swelling, severe pain, infection around a biopsy site or new neurological symptoms such as weakness, confusion, seizure or a severe persistent headache. These symptoms need assessment and should not be attributed to a skin lesion without review.

Ask whether the lesion needs complete excision or a biopsy, what the pathology shows, whether margins are clear, whether staging tests are indicated, and how follow-up will monitor the skin and lymph nodes.