What should you know about optical melanoma?

Melanoma is a cancer of pigment-producing cells. A mole or pigmented patch may become different in colour, shape, border, size or surface; it may itch, bleed or form a persistent sore. These changes can have non-cancerous explanations, but melanoma itself can present through a changing lesion, so the direction of concern should run from the condition to its possible presentation, not from a symptom to a diagnosis.

A clinician may inspect the area with magnification and decide whether a biopsy or complete removal is appropriate. The laboratory result identifies the diagnosis and features that guide staging. Depending on findings, discussions may include surgical excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy or other skin cancer surgery. A melanoma specialist can explain whether the lesion is confined to the skin or needs broader evaluation.

Book a prompt dermatology assessment for a new or changing pigmented mark, especially if it is unlike your other moles. Photographing it beside a ruler can help document change, but a photograph cannot diagnose melanoma. Avoid picking, shaving over or applying harsh products to the lesion. Bring a list of medicines, prior skin cancers, family history and details of sun exposure.

Treatment depends on the confirmed stage and location. It may involve removal of the lesion, additional surgery, surveillance or systemic treatment such as immunotherapy; these choices are made after examination and pathology.

Seek urgent medical help for uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, sudden vision change, a new blind spot, confusion, weakness or a severe headache. These symptoms do not establish melanoma, but they can signal a complication or a separate urgent problem. Do not delay a specialist appointment because a lesion is painless; melanoma can present without discomfort.

Ask whether the lesion needs biopsy or excision, what the pathology report means, whether staging tests are needed, how much tissue must be removed, and what follow-up after cancer treatment will look like. Ask which changes should trigger an earlier review.