What should you know about IHC for melanoma?

IHC means immunohistochemistry. In a pathology laboratory, antibodies attach to selected proteins in prepared tissue sections, creating a visible staining pattern. A pathologist interprets that pattern alongside the cells’ shape, growth pattern, and the clinical history. IHC can support a melanoma diagnosis, help distinguish melanoma from another tumour, or clarify whether cells in a sample are related to a skin lesion. It is an aid to diagnosis, not a diagnosis interpreted in isolation.

Ask whether the report is final or awaiting additional stains, and request an explanation of unfamiliar terms. If melanoma is confirmed, the care team may discuss surgical excision, wider skin cancer surgery, or other tumour removal surgery according to the lesion and pathology. A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be considered in selected cases. Treatment decisions depend on the complete report and examination, not on one stain alone.

Contact the treating team promptly if a biopsy wound becomes increasingly red, swollen, painful, or drains, or if you develop fever. For a known melanoma, report a new or changing skin lesion, a new lump, persistent unexplained symptoms, or neurological symptoms urgently. Follow the review schedule offered by your oncology or dermatology team.

Ask which stains were used, what each result supports, whether margins and depth are reported, whether staging tests are needed, and who will explain the next decision.