What should you know about head and neck melanoma?

Melanoma may develop in an existing mole or appear as a new spot. Warning features include uneven halves, an irregular edge, more than one colour, noticeable growth, bleeding, crusting, or a persistent change in itch or tenderness. The scalp, ears, hairline, face, and back of the neck can be difficult to inspect, so a close relative or clinician may notice changes first. A changing mark is not automatically melanoma, but it deserves examination because appearance alone cannot confirm or exclude skin cancer.

Book a dermatology assessment promptly and avoid picking, cutting, or attempting to remove the lesion yourself. Photographing the area beside a ruler can help document change, but it does not replace examination. A clinician may use dermoscopy and recommend a biopsy or Surgical Excision to establish the diagnosis. If melanoma is confirmed, the team may discuss Skin Cancer Surgery, margins, lymph-node assessment such as Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, and further treatment according to the findings.

Arrange prompt review for a new or changing pigmented lesion, especially if it bleeds, forms a persistent crust, becomes painful, or grows quickly. Seek urgent medical help for severe bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, sudden neurological symptoms, or a rapidly worsening wound. After treatment, keep scheduled Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment appointments so new or recurrent changes can be assessed.

Ask whether the mark needs a biopsy, how its location affects removal and repair, whether lymph-node assessment is appropriate, and what symptoms should prompt an earlier review. If treatment is needed, ask when Immunotherapy or other oncology care might be considered.