Melanoma on arm

Melanoma is a cancer of pigment-making cells. On the arm, it may look like a new or changing dark mark, an uneven outline, several colours, or a spot that stands out from nearby marks. Some melanomas are not black, and irritation or bleeding can occur. These features can also occur in harmless conditions, so a clinician must examine the area and may remove a sample for laboratory diagnosis.

Arrange a skin examination with a dermatologist or qualified clinician, especially if the mark is changing. Make the area easy to inspect; for the arm, use a mirror or ask someone you trust to check hard-to-see skin. Do not scratch, burn, cut, or apply home remedies to the mark. Bring a timeline of changes and mention previous skin cancers, unusual moles, and family history. If melanoma is confirmed, treatment commonly begins with removal of the lesion; further planning depends on the laboratory result and examination.

Seek prompt medical assessment for a new or changing mark, a sore that does not heal, bleeding, crusting, persistent itching, or a firm area. Arrange urgent advice if the site is rapidly changing, repeatedly bleeding, or becoming painful, but do not wait for symptoms if the appearance is concerning. A clinician may check nearby lymph nodes and decide whether additional staging tests are appropriate.

Could this mark need a biopsy, and how will the sample be examined?

If melanoma is confirmed, what does its depth and edge assessment mean for treatment?

Would sentinel lymph node biopsy or imaging be relevant in my situation?