What should you know about small nodular melanoma?

Nodular melanoma is a form of melanoma that often appears as a raised bump rather than a slowly changing flat patch. It may be dark, pink, red, or close to skin colour, and can bleed, crust, or feel firm. A small visible surface does not show how deeply tumour cells extend. Diagnosis requires examining tissue, after which pathology and staging information help the care team plan treatment.

Arrange prompt review with a dermatologist or skin-cancer team and do not pick, burn, or arrange cosmetic removal of a suspicious lesion. Photograph it only to document change; a photograph cannot replace examination. If melanoma is confirmed, treatment commonly begins with surgical excision. Depending on the findings, the team may discuss wider skin-cancer surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy, or other tumour removal surgery. Immunotherapy may be considered for selected situations.

Seek prompt assessment for a new raised lesion that enlarges, changes colour, bleeds, crusts, ulcerates, or becomes persistently tender. Do not wait for pain: melanoma can be present without it. After diagnosis, report new lumps, persistent headaches, weakness, seizures, or changes in vision urgently, because these symptoms need medical assessment and are not suitable for self-monitoring.

What features make this lesion suspicious? Which biopsy or excision is planned? What will the pathology report measure, and will I need staging, lymph-node assessment, treatment, or follow-up after cancer treatment?