What should you know about stage 1 melanoma on the scalp?

Stage 1 is assigned from pathology features such as tumour depth and ulceration. The scalp can be difficult to inspect, and hair may conceal a changing lesion, so examination of the whole scalp matters. The diagnosis does not predict every future event: a new melanoma or recurrence remains possible and is the reason follow-up is arranged. A melanoma specialist can explain the report in terms of your specific lesion.

Ask the treating team how much scalp tissue must be removed to obtain clear margins and whether reconstruction is likely. Excisional surgery is often used, while the final approach depends on the lesion and pathology. A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be discussed for selected melanomas rather than used automatically. Arrange a practical way to inspect the scalp, such as help from a trusted person or photographs, and use a hat or other protection from ultraviolet exposure.

Call the clinical team about increasing wound pain, warmth, swelling, redness, bleeding, discharge, or fever after a biopsy or operation. Report a new scalp spot, a changing pigmented area, a firm nearby lump, or a sore that repeatedly bleeds. Sudden weakness, confusion, or severe headache requires emergency assessment and should not be managed by waiting for a skin appointment.

What do depth and ulceration mean in my report? What margin and reconstruction are planned? Should sentinel lymph node biopsy be considered? Who will examine the rest of my scalp? How often should I attend follow-up, and what should a helper look for?