What should you know about surface melanoma?

Melanoma begins in pigment-producing cells. A surface-growing lesion may appear as a changing mole or patch with uneven colour, an irregular outline, or one half that does not resemble the other. Early surface change cannot be judged reliably from a photograph or symptoms alone. Examination and a biopsy help confirm whether the lesion is melanoma and show features that guide staging.

Book a prompt skin assessment for a new or changing pigmented mark. Do not remove, burn or repeatedly irritate it at home. If melanoma is confirmed, treatment commonly starts with Surgical Excision or another form of Skin Cancer Surgery; the amount of tissue removed depends on the pathology. Some people need a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy or further treatment such as Immunotherapy, depending on stage and other findings. Keep a record of changes and protect the area from unnecessary sun exposure.

Seek prompt review for a mark that changes, bleeds, crusts, becomes persistently itchy, develops a new lump, or differs clearly from your other moles. New neurological symptoms in someone with known advanced melanoma, such as severe headache, weakness or confusion, need urgent assessment because spread can affect organs including the brain.

Ask whether the lesion needs biopsy, what its depth and stage are, whether wider excision is needed, and how often Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment should occur.