What should you know about melanoma caught early?

A suspicious changing spot is not confirmed by appearance alone. A clinician examines it and may remove it for laboratory assessment. The report describes features such as depth and whether the edges are clear; these details help guide the next step. Early melanoma can be small and may not hurt, so a changing mark deserves attention even without discomfort.

The main condition is described in [Melanoma](/conditions/melanoma/). Depending on the report, the team may discuss wider [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) or a [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy/).

Arrange a prompt dermatology review for a spot that changes in size, shape, colour, border, or surface, or for a new mark that looks different from your other moles. Photographing it beside a scale can help show change, but a photograph cannot diagnose melanoma. Once diagnosed, keep every pathology and follow-up appointment and examine your skin in a consistent, well-lit setting.

Seek urgent medical advice for a lesion that bleeds repeatedly, develops an open sore, grows quickly, or becomes markedly inflamed. After treatment, report new lumps, persistent unexplained pain, or neurological changes promptly; sudden weakness, seizure, confusion, or difficulty speaking requires emergency care.

Ask what the biopsy shows, whether the margins are clear, whether more skin needs removal, how the scar should be cared for, and how often your skin and lymph nodes should be checked. Ask when [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/post-treatment-surveillance/) begins.