What should you know about a melanoma tumor?

Melanoma can start in a mole or in skin that previously looked clear. It may become darker, uneven, larger or different from nearby marks, but some melanomas have little pigment. A lump, bleeding spot, persistent crust or sore can also need review. Appearance alone cannot confirm melanoma; a biopsy allows a pathologist to examine the cells and measure features that guide staging.

The report may describe thickness, ulceration and whether tumour cells are present at a cut edge. The team may examine lymph nodes or request imaging when spread beyond the original site needs checking. A tumour’s visible size is only one part of its assessment.

Arrange a dermatology appointment for a changing mole, new pigmented growth or persistent non-healing spot. Avoid picking or attempting to remove it yourself. Photograph the area in consistent light and note when the change began. If melanoma is diagnosed, ask whether surgical excision is appropriate, whether further skin cancer surgery is needed, and whether staging with a sentinel lymph node biopsy would add useful information.

Seek prompt assessment for rapid change, repeated bleeding, a sore that fails to heal, a firm lump near a known melanoma, or a new lump in the neck, armpit or groin. Urgent care is appropriate for heavy bleeding, spreading redness with fever, severe pain, sudden weakness, confusion, seizure or serious breathing difficulty.

What did the biopsy show about the tumour’s thickness and edges? Has the melanoma been staged? Do I need more surgery, lymph-node assessment or scans? Which changes should lead me to contact the team between visits?