What Are the Symptoms of Melanoma?

Look for change rather than relying on one feature. A mole may become asymmetric, develop a jagged border, show several shades of brown, black, red, blue, or white, or grow differently from your other moles. A new dark or unusual spot can also deserve assessment. Some melanomas are not dark and may appear pink, red, or skin-coloured. Bleeding, crusting, persistent tenderness, itching, or a break in the skin can occur. A changing mark is not automatically melanoma; benign moles and other skin conditions can look similar.

Arrange a skin examination if you notice a new mark or a visible change that persists. Take a clear photograph with a simple size reference and note when the change began, but do not delay an examination while monitoring it. A clinician may inspect the whole skin surface and use magnification. If the appearance is concerning, a biopsy may be discussed. Do not pick, scratch, or repeatedly irritate a bleeding spot. More information is available in Melanoma and Skin Cancer Surgery.

Book a prompt dermatology appointment for a mole that is evolving, repeatedly bleeding, crusting, ulcerating, or becoming painful. Seek urgent medical attention if bleeding is heavy or cannot be controlled with firm pressure, or if redness, swelling, warmth, and discharge develop around an open lesion. A clinician can decide whether examination, biopsy, or further care such as Tumour Removal Surgery is appropriate.

Ask whether the mark needs dermoscopic examination or biopsy, which changes are most significant, how to check your skin between visits, and whether Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment, Immunotherapy, or Targeted Therapy could be relevant if melanoma is diagnosed.