What should you know about malignant melanoma treatment?

Melanoma is a skin cancer arising from pigment-producing cells. The team first confirms the diagnosis and assesses how deeply it has grown and whether it has reached nearby lymph nodes or other organs. A small, localised melanoma is often treated by removing the lesion with a margin of surrounding skin. A sentinel lymph node biopsy may help assess whether cells have travelled beyond the original site. More advanced disease can require medicines that help the immune system recognise and attack melanoma. Treatment choices are individual, and a scar, wound care, medication effects and emotional strain may all form part of the conversation.

Bring the pathology report, a list of medicines and details of previous skin cancers to the appointment. Ask which stage has been assigned, whether further surgery is needed, and what the proposed treatment is intended to achieve. Protect treated and untreated skin from intense sunlight, check the skin and lymph-node areas as advised, and keep scheduled reviews. Do not start supplements or stop prescribed treatment without discussing it with the oncology team.

Contact the treating service promptly for a wound that is opening, spreading redness, increasing swelling, pus, fever or bleeding that does not settle with pressure. During systemic treatment, report new or worsening breathlessness, severe diarrhoea, marked weakness, confusion, jaundice or a widespread rash urgently. A new persistent headache, seizure, weakness or change in vision also needs urgent assessment because melanoma can spread to the brain.

Which findings determine my stage? Do I need surgical excision or sentinel lymph node biopsy? What benefits and side effects should I weigh for immunotherapy? How will scans and skin checks be scheduled? Which symptoms should trigger a same-day call?