What should you know about large melanoma?

Melanoma is a skin cancer arising from pigment-producing cells. A larger lesion may have grown deeper or may cover a wider area, but appearance alone cannot show how far it has spread. A dermatologist examines the lesion and nearby skin, checks lymph nodes when appropriate, and may arrange a biopsy. The laboratory report helps determine depth and other features that guide care.

Staging may include examination and selected scans. A sentinel lymph node biopsy can help assess whether melanoma cells have reached the first draining lymph nodes. This is different from saying that a large lesion has already spread. Findings, location, depth and general health all shape the plan.

Arrange a prompt appointment with a dermatologist or skin-cancer team. Do not cut, burn or repeatedly irritate the lesion, and avoid delaying assessment while trying home products. Bring a list of medicines, allergies and previous skin biopsies; photographs showing change over time can also help.

Treatment commonly begins with removal of the lesion and a margin of surrounding skin when this is appropriate. Further skin cancer surgery, tumour removal surgery or immunotherapy may be discussed according to the pathology and stage. Follow-up after cancer treatment helps the team monitor the treated area, lymph nodes and any new skin changes.

Seek urgent medical advice if the lesion is bleeding repeatedly, rapidly changing, ulcerated, very painful or associated with a new lump in the nearby skin or lymph-node area. New severe headaches, weakness, confusion or seizures need emergency assessment, especially in someone already diagnosed with melanoma; these symptoms can have many causes but should not wait for a routine review.

Ask which biopsy is needed, what the pathology report measures, whether lymph-node assessment or imaging is suitable, what margin and reconstruction may be required, and how often follow-up will occur. You can also ask how treatment affects sun protection, work, exercise and care of the surgical site.