What should you know about sinonasal mucosal melanoma?

It develops in mucosal tissue rather than the more familiar skin surface. Symptoms can include one-sided nasal blockage, recurrent nosebleeds, reduced sense of smell, facial pressure or a mass in the nose. These symptoms have many possible causes, so they do not establish melanoma on their own. Examination by an ear, nose and throat specialist, nasal endoscopy and a biopsy may be used to identify the tumour. Imaging helps show its local extent and whether other areas need assessment.

The treatment plan depends on the tumour's position, size, spread and the person's general health. Melanoma information can help explain the disease family, while this mucosal form needs site-specific planning.

Arrange prompt specialist review for persistent one-sided blockage, repeated bleeding or a visible nasal growth. Bring a list of medicines, previous scans and questions about the biopsy result. A team may discuss tumour removal surgery, surgical excision or other cancer surgery, followed by treatment based on pathology and staging. Immunotherapy may be considered in selected situations. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a staging procedure in some melanoma pathways, but suitability depends on the tumour site.

Seek urgent medical help for heavy or ongoing nosebleeding, trouble breathing, sudden vision changes, severe facial swelling, confusion or a rapidly worsening headache. New neurological symptoms such as weakness, seizures or difficulty speaking need emergency assessment because cancer can sometimes spread to distant organs, including the brain.

Ask where the tumour started, what the biopsy shows, which scans are needed, whether surgery can remove it fully, and which specialists will coordinate care. Ask how treatment could affect breathing, smell, vision and appearance, and what follow-up schedule will monitor for recurrence.