Invasive malignant melanoma: what to know

Melanoma begins in pigment-producing cells. When it is invasive, malignant cells have entered deeper skin layers rather than remaining confined to the surface. The depth, ulceration, location, and whether nearby lymph nodes or other organs are involved help doctors describe the stage. A melanoma diagnosis does not by itself show how far it has spread; examination and pathology provide that information.

Assessment may include removal of the suspicious lesion for laboratory examination and, when appropriate, a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Further scans or specialist tests depend on the clinical findings. Melanoma information is available on the condition page.

Arrange prompt review with a dermatologist or skin cancer team. Bring the pathology report, photographs or notes about when the mark changed, and a list of medicines and health conditions. Treatment often begins with surgical excision that removes the melanoma with a planned margin of surrounding skin. The team may discuss skin cancer surgery or tumour removal surgery according to the site and findings.

If melanoma has reached lymph nodes or distant sites, treatment can involve oncology care such as immunotherapy. Follow-up after cancer treatment supports monitoring for recurrence and new skin changes.

Seek prompt specialist assessment for a mark that changes in size, shape, colour, or surface, or that bleeds, crusts, becomes painful, or fails to heal. After diagnosis or treatment, report a new lump, persistent unexplained pain, severe headache, weakness, seizures, or changes in vision urgently. Brain metastases are a serious possible concern in advanced cancer and need medical evaluation.

What does the pathology report show about depth and other features? Is further staging needed? What operation is planned, will lymph-node assessment help, and could oncology treatment or structured follow-up be appropriate?