Superficial spreading melanoma treatment

The first biopsy confirms melanoma and supplies features used to plan care. A second operation may remove a wider border of normal-looking skin around the original site. This is called a wide local excision and aims to reduce the chance that melanoma cells remain at the edge. The amount of tissue depends on the tumour’s pathology and location.

For selected melanomas, a sentinel lymph node biopsy checks the first draining lymph nodes for microscopic spread. If melanoma has travelled beyond the original area, an oncology team may discuss immunotherapy or other systemic treatment. A treatment plan can involve dermatology, surgical, pathology, radiology, and oncology specialists.

Bring the pathology report, medication list, allergies, and previous procedure details to your appointment. Ask whether the visible lesion was fully removed, whether further excision is needed, and whether lymph-node testing or scans are appropriate. Follow wound-care instructions closely; avoid picking a scab or applying unapproved products. Protect healed skin from strong sun exposure and continue the skin checks recommended by your team. Explore Melanoma, Surgical Excision, and Immunotherapy for related information.

After surgery, call the clinic for spreading redness, increasing warmth, worsening pain, pus, fever, wound separation, or bleeding that continues despite pressure. During systemic treatment, promptly report new breathing problems, severe diarrhoea, marked rash, yellowing of the skin, or unusual weakness because treatment-related inflammation may need assessment. Sudden neurological symptoms require urgent medical help.

What operation do I need, and how will the scar be managed? Are my margins clear? Is sentinel lymph node biopsy suitable? Do I need imaging or oncology review? What side effects should I report immediately?