What should you know about kidney melanoma?

Melanoma is a cancer of pigment-producing cells and most often concerns the skin, although it can arise in other tissues. A report mentioning the kidney may refer to a suspected deposit, a lesion found during imaging, or a different kidney tumour that still needs identification. Imaging can suggest possibilities, but tissue examination and review of the clinical history may be needed to establish the diagnosis.

Do not assume that a kidney mass is melanoma, and do not assume that a skin mole has spread. [Melanoma](/conditions/melanoma/) information can help with general terminology, but the meaning of an individual report requires the treating team.

Ask the clinician who ordered the scan to explain the exact wording, the organ involved, and whether the finding is confirmed or still under investigation. Bring previous pathology, scan reports, medication details, and information about any past skin lesion or cancer. A specialist may discuss imaging, biopsy, surgery, or additional tests according to the suspected diagnosis.

If melanoma is confirmed, management can involve more than one specialty. Possible discussions include [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/), [Skin Cancer Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-cancer-surgery/), or [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/). A [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy/) may be relevant in selected melanoma assessments, not automatically for every patient.

Contact the treating team promptly if you have new severe pain, persistent vomiting, blood in the urine, inability to pass urine, fever, or rapidly worsening weakness. Seek emergency help for confusion, fainting, severe breathlessness, or new weakness, speech trouble, or seizure. These symptoms need assessment regardless of whether melanoma is confirmed.

Ask: What exactly does kidney melanoma mean in my report? Is the finding confirmed by tissue? Could it be a primary kidney tumour or melanoma from another site? What further imaging or biopsy is needed? Which specialist will coordinate care? If melanoma is confirmed, ask whether [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/), [Brain Metastases](/conditions/brain-metastases/), or [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/post-treatment-surveillance/) information applies to your situation.