Small melanoma

The visible width of a melanoma does not provide its full risk picture. Examination and pathology help establish the melanoma type, depth, ulceration, and whether its edges were fully removed. A changing mole or new pigmented mark may show uneven colour, an irregular outline, asymmetry, itching, bleeding, or growth, although some melanomas look subtle.

A dermatologist may use magnified skin examination and recommend a biopsy. The pathology report guides whether a wider margin is needed and whether further staging is relevant. A sentinel lymph node biopsy is considered only in selected situations, based on the tumour findings.

Arrange a prompt dermatology appointment for a suspicious changing mark, and do not remove it yourself or cover it with cosmetic products before review. Photograph it for comparison, avoid picking the surface, and protect the area from strong sun. If melanoma has been diagnosed, ask about Surgical Excision or Skin Cancer Surgery and what the pathology will determine. Treatment choices may include wider surgery; advanced disease may require specialist therapies such as Immunotherapy.

Seek prompt assessment for a new or changing pigmented lesion, especially one that bleeds, crusts, ulcerates, becomes markedly different from your other marks, or grows. Contact your treating team promptly after diagnosis if the wound becomes increasingly red, painful, swollen, or starts draining. New persistent headaches, weakness, seizures, or changes in vision need urgent medical attention, but these symptoms do not show where a melanoma began or how advanced it is.

Ask: Has the diagnosis been confirmed by pathology? What are the tumour depth and other reported features? Is Surgical Excision sufficient, or is a wider procedure needed? Would Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy add useful staging information? How often will Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment occur, and which new skin changes should I report?