What should you know about oral melanoma treatment?

A dark, changing, bleeding or persistent area in the mouth needs examination by a dentist, oral specialist or dermatologist. Diagnosis generally requires a biopsy, followed by checks that show whether disease is confined to the mouth or has reached nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. Surgery may remove the lesion with a margin of surrounding tissue; the exact operation depends on its position and size. A sentinel lymph node biopsy can help assess selected nearby nodes. If melanoma cannot be removed completely or has spread, an oncology team may discuss immunotherapy or other systemic options. Treatment plans are individual, and pathology findings guide each decision.

Arrange prompt specialist review for a persistent pigmented patch, lump, sore or unexplained bleeding in the mouth. Bring a list of medicines and previous biopsy or imaging results. Before treatment, ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, which scans are needed, how surgery could affect speech, chewing or swallowing, and whether reconstruction or dental support may help. Follow wound-care and nutrition instructions after an operation, and attend planned surveillance appointments. You can read about melanoma, surgical excision, tumour removal surgery and immunotherapy to prepare for the discussion.

Seek urgent medical help if mouth bleeding does not settle with firm pressure, swelling interferes with breathing or swallowing, or you cannot keep fluids down. Contact the treating team promptly for fever, worsening pain, pus, rapidly increasing swelling or a wound that opens after surgery. New headaches, weakness, confusion, seizures or changes in vision require urgent assessment, particularly when melanoma has been diagnosed.

Which specialist will coordinate my care? What did the biopsy show about depth and margins? Do I need lymph-node assessment or scans? What are the aims and common effects of each proposed treatment? How will eating, speaking and oral hygiene be supported? What symptoms should prompt a call between appointments?