What should you know about John McCain melanoma?

Melanoma is a skin cancer arising from pigment-producing cells. It may appear in an existing mole or as a new changing mark. Colour variation, an irregular outline, asymmetry, growth, bleeding, crusting, or a spot that differs from nearby marks deserves attention, although only examination and testing can establish the diagnosis.

The outlook depends on features such as tumour depth, ulceration, lymph-node involvement, and spread to other organs. A public figure’s treatment history cannot tell you which of these features were present, and it should not be used to estimate what will happen in your case.

Arrange a skin examination for a changing, bleeding, itching, or non-healing lesion. A clinician may use dermoscopy and, when needed, remove the lesion for laboratory examination. If melanoma is confirmed, further planning can include surgical excision and assessment of nearby lymph nodes.

Treatment depends on stage and may involve wider surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy, tumour removal surgery, or immunotherapy. Follow-up after cancer treatment helps monitor the treated area, lymph nodes, and new skin changes.

Seek prompt medical review for a rapidly changing mole, new dark lesion, repeated bleeding, a sore that does not heal, or a firm lump near a known skin cancer. New neurological symptoms in someone with diagnosed melanoma, such as persistent headache, weakness, confusion, or seizures, require urgent medical attention.

Could this mark be examined with dermoscopy? If it is removed, what will the pathology report show? Do I need wider excision or lymph-node assessment? What follow-up schedule and self-check method fit my diagnosis?