What should you know about murine melanoma?

Murine means related to mice. In a medical or laboratory context, murine melanoma can describe a tumour in a mouse or a model used to explore melanoma biology and possible treatments. Findings from an animal model do not establish that a human lesion is melanoma, and they do not determine which treatment an individual should receive.

Human melanoma is a cancer of pigment-producing cells. It may develop in an existing mole or on previously normal skin. A changing, unusual, bleeding, crusting, or persistent pigmented lesion should be examined by a clinician. See [Melanoma](/conditions/melanoma/) for the human condition.

Do not try to diagnose a mole from a laboratory term or from photographs alone. Arrange a skin examination and mention when the change began, whether symptoms are present, and any personal or family history of skin cancer. A clinician may use dermoscopy and decide whether a biopsy is needed.

If melanoma is confirmed, care may include [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) and, in selected cases, [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy/). More advanced disease may involve [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/) or other oncology care. Follow-up can include [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/post-treatment-surveillance/).

Book a prompt dermatology review for a spot changing in asymmetry, border, colour, size, or surface, or for a lesion that bleeds, crusts, becomes painful, or repeatedly itches. Seek urgent help for uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading redness with fever, or severe illness. A symptom does not by itself prove melanoma, but unexplained change should not be ignored.

Ask what the term means in your report, whether it refers to an animal model or a human diagnosis, what examination is needed, and when pathology results will be available. If melanoma is diagnosed, ask about stage, margins, lymph-node assessment, treatment choices, and follow-up.