What should you know about malignant melanoma on neck?

Malignant melanoma on the neck is a melanoma arising in neck skin. It may begin in an existing mole or appear as a new mark, with changes in colour, border, size, surface or sensation. A visual check cannot confirm the diagnosis; a clinician may use dermoscopy and biopsy.

The neck receives regular sun exposure, but melanoma can develop in skin that is not constantly exposed. Pathology describes the tumour and whether the removed edges are clear. The team may examine lymph nodes in the neck or nearby region and use imaging if the findings warrant it.

For a localised lesion, surgical excision is commonly discussed, with the aim of removing the melanoma and an appropriate surrounding margin. More advanced disease may require lymph-node procedures, medicines such as immunotherapy or coordinated oncology care.

Arrange a prompt skin examination for any neck mark that is new, changing, bleeding, crusting, itching or unlike your other moles. Photographing the area can help show change, but it should not replace an examination. Do not shave, pick or burn the lesion, and bring previous dermatology records to the appointment.

After treatment, check the scar and surrounding skin as advised. Ask how to examine your neck, scalp and lymph-node areas and when your next review is due.

Seek prompt assessment when a neck lesion changes quickly, develops several colours, has an irregular edge, repeatedly bleeds or forms a sore. Contact urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading redness with fever, or sudden breathing or swallowing difficulty. Those urgent symptoms may have causes unrelated to melanoma, but need immediate attention.

Ask whether a biopsy is needed, what the pathology measures, whether the neck lymph nodes need assessment, how much tissue surgery may remove, and how you should monitor the scar and remaining skin.