What should you know about scrotal melanoma?

Melanoma can appear as a new or changing dark patch, mole or nodule, but it may also have uneven colour, an irregular outline, bleeding or persistent irritation. A lesion on scrotal skin cannot be classified reliably from a photograph or colour alone. A dermatologist may examine the lesion and nearby lymph nodes, then arrange Surgical Excision or another biopsy method so a laboratory can assess it. Further staging determines whether treatment is local or needs wider cancer care.

Book a prompt appointment for any scrotal mark that changes in size, shape or colour, or fails to heal. Do not shave, pick or repeatedly traumatise it. Bring a list of medicines and note when the change began. Depending on findings, care may include Skin Cancer Surgery, Tumour Removal Surgery, a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, Immunotherapy or structured follow-up after treatment.

Seek urgent review for rapid growth, persistent bleeding, an open sore, severe pain, or a new lump in the groin. After diagnosis, new persistent headaches, weakness, seizures, confusion or visual changes require urgent medical attention because advanced melanoma can affect distant organs, including the brain.

What biopsy or excision is appropriate, what will the pathology report show, and do I need lymph-node assessment or imaging? Which treatment team will coordinate my care and how will follow-up be arranged?