Melanoma effects on the skin and body

On the skin, melanoma may look like a new or changing mole, an unevenly coloured patch, a sore that does not heal, or a lesion that bleeds, crusts or itches. Some melanomas cause little discomfort, so the absence of pain does not settle the question.

When melanoma extends to nearby lymph nodes or other organs, effects depend on the location. Persistent tiredness, unexplained weight change, ongoing cough, abdominal discomfort, bone pain, headaches or changes in movement can have many causes, but they warrant clinical review when new or persistent. Brain metastases can cause neurological symptoms and require urgent specialist care.

Arrange a skin examination for a changing lesion and bring a timeline of what you noticed. If melanoma has been diagnosed, the team may discuss excisional surgery, examination of nearby lymph nodes and additional staging. The pathology report helps define the next step.

After treatment, keep planned surveillance visits and check the skin between appointments. Protect exposed skin from ultraviolet light with shade, clothing and sunscreen, and tell the clinical team about new symptoms rather than waiting for a routine visit.

Seek prompt medical assessment for a changing, bleeding or non-healing lesion, or for a new lump near a previous melanoma site. Seek urgent help for sudden weakness, confusion, a seizure, severe breathlessness, or a severe new headache. These symptoms can arise from conditions other than melanoma, but need timely evaluation.

Ask which effects relate to the skin lesion, what the pathology and stage mean, whether lymph-node assessment or scans are needed, and which symptoms should trigger an urgent call. Ask how treatment could affect work, exercise, skin care and emotional wellbeing.