Which specialist treats melanoma?

A dermatologist examines a changing or unusual mole and may remove it for laboratory diagnosis. If melanoma is confirmed, the team depends on the tumour's features and whether it appears confined to the skin. Surgical excision is commonly used to remove the melanoma with a planned margin of surrounding skin. Some patients also need staging discussions, which may include sentinel lymph node biopsy. Advanced disease can require oncology input and care for sites such as brain metastases.

Arrange a prompt dermatology assessment for a mole that changes in size, shape, colour, or surface, or for a spot that bleeds without a clear injury. Take a clear history of when the change began and mention previous skin cancers, family history, immune conditions, and medicines. Do not try to burn, shave, or remove a suspicious mole yourself. Bring earlier photographs if you have them, because comparison can help the clinician judge change.

Contact a dermatologist promptly for a changing mole, bleeding mole, a new dark mark that looks different from others, or a sore that does not heal. Seek urgent medical attention for heavy bleeding, spreading redness, fever, severe pain, or new neurological symptoms such as persistent headaches, weakness, confusion, or seizures.

Ask whether the lesion needs biopsy or surgical excision, what the pathology report means, and whether further staging is needed. If a sentinel lymph node biopsy is discussed, ask what information it adds. Confirm who will coordinate follow-up skin checks and which symptoms should trigger an earlier review.