What should you know about levels of melanoma?

Doctors assess the original skin tumour, nearby lymph nodes and any spread to distant organs. An early melanoma is confined to the skin. A thicker or ulcerated tumour may carry a different stage, while involvement of nearby nodes or distant sites indicates more advanced disease. The level is not judged by appearance alone; a biopsy provides the tissue information needed for staging.

Staging may involve examination, biopsy results and scans selected for the situation. A sentinel lymph node biopsy can check whether cells have travelled to the first draining lymph node. The stage helps the team discuss surgery, medicines and monitoring in a structured way.

Keep the pathology report and ask which features determine the stage, including tumour depth, ulceration and lymph-node findings. Treatment can include surgical excision of the primary lesion. If melanoma has spread, the plan may include systemic treatment such as immunotherapy, alongside specialist surgery or other care. Protect healing skin from strong sun and attend every planned review.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for a changing mole, a new dark lesion, bleeding, persistent crusting or a non-healing spot. After treatment, contact the care team for a new lump, enlarging node, unexplained persistent pain, new neurological symptoms or rapidly changing skin findings. Sudden weakness, confusion, seizure or severe headache needs urgent emergency assessment because these symptoms can have serious causes.

Ask: What is the confirmed stage and tumour thickness? Were the margins clear? Is sentinel lymph node testing appropriate? Do I need scans or immunotherapy? How often should my skin and lymph nodes be checked?