What should you know about procedure to remove melanoma?

A suspicious lesion is sampled so a pathologist can identify melanoma and describe features that guide care. If melanoma is confirmed, [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) removes the tumour with a surrounding margin of skin. The wound may be closed directly or require another reconstruction approach, depending on its size and location.

Some people are offered a [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy/) to check the first draining lymph node. This is a staging decision, not proof that cancer has spread. The care plan may involve [Skin Cancer Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-cancer-surgery/) or other oncology treatment.

Keep the biopsy and surgery appointments, and bring a list of medicines, allergies, previous operations, and relevant family history. Ask when pathology will be reviewed and how the wound should be cleaned and covered. Do not pick a scab or apply unapproved products to the incision.

Depending on stage and risk features, specialists may discuss [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/) or another plan. Follow-up skin checks help identify new or changing lesions. Examine your skin in a consistent way and report a changing mole, a non-healing spot, or a new lump.

Contact the surgical team for increasing wound redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, bleeding that does not stop with pressure, or wound separation. Seek urgent help for severe illness or uncontrolled bleeding. During follow-up, report new neurological symptoms, persistent unexplained pain, or a rapidly enlarging lump; these require medical assessment and do not establish a diagnosis by themselves.

What did the pathology show, and what stage is being considered? Do I need wider excision or sentinel node assessment? How will the wound be closed and cared for? Will an oncology team discuss systemic treatment? How often should my skin and lymph nodes be checked?