What should you know about throat melanoma?

Melanoma begins in pigment-producing cells. In the throat, a suspicious area may appear as a dark patch, raised lesion, sore, or uneven tissue, although colour can be difficult to see in the mouth and throat. Symptoms may include bleeding, pain, a lump, difficulty swallowing, or a persistent change in the voice. These signs can also have non-cancerous causes, so an appearance alone cannot confirm melanoma.

A clinician may inspect the mouth and throat, feel nearby lymph nodes, and arrange a biopsy. If melanoma is confirmed, imaging and other tests help show whether it is local or has spread. The findings guide treatment and follow-up.

Arrange an urgent appointment with a doctor, dentist, ear-nose-and-throat specialist, or dermatologist for a sore, lump, patch, or bleeding area that does not settle. Take note of when it began, whether it is changing, and any swallowing or voice symptoms. Do not scrape, burn, or repeatedly irritate the area.

Assessment may include a tissue sample and examination of lymph nodes. Depending on results, care can involve Surgical Excision, Skin Cancer Surgery, Tumour Removal Surgery, or Immunotherapy. A Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy may help assess nearby spread, and Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment supports ongoing monitoring.

Seek same-day medical help for bleeding that is difficult to stop, rapidly increasing swelling, or trouble breathing or swallowing liquids. Contact a clinician promptly for a persistent ulcer, new dark area, unexplained lump, repeated bleeding, or a voice change. New neurological symptoms such as severe headache, weakness, confusion, or seizures require emergency care because they can signal serious illness, including Brain Metastases.

Ask what area needs examination, whether a biopsy is appropriate, what the pathology will show, and whether lymph-node or imaging tests are needed. You can also ask which treatment team will coordinate care, how symptoms may be managed, and what follow-up schedule is planned.