14391 Melanoma

Overview

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in cells called melanocytes, which give your skin its color. It can develop anywhere on the body, often as a new mole or a change in an existing mole. If found early, melanoma is very treatable.

Melanoma is not the most common type of skin cancer, but rates have been rising over the past few decades. In the UK, about 16,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year.

Melanoma can affect anyone, but it is more likely in people with fair skin, light hair or eyes, a history of sunburns, or many moles. It most commonly appears in adults, but it can also occur in teenagers and sometimes in children.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A new mole that appears after age 30
• A change in an existing mole's size, shape, or color
• A mole with an irregular border or multiple colors
• A sore that does not heal
• A mole that itches, bleeds, or becomes crusty

Symptoms in children

• Melanoma is very rare in children, but watch for moles that look different from other moles or that are growing quickly.
• A mole that bleeds or changes in an unusual way should be checked by a doctor.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, melanoma often appears on the face, scalp, or back, which may be harder to see.
• Sometimes the first sign is a mole that bleeds or a dark streak under a nail.

Causes

Main causes

• Melanoma starts when melanocytes grow out of control. The main trigger is damage from ultraviolet (UV) light.
• UV light from the sun or tanning beds can damage the DNA in your skin cells and cause them to turn cancerous.

Risk factors

• Having fair skin, red or blonde hair, or blue or green eyes
• A history of sunburns, especially blistering sunburns in childhood
• Using tanning beds or sunlamps
• Having many moles (more than 50) or unusual moles
• A personal or family history of melanoma
• A weakened immune system

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice a mole that is changing, bleeding, itching, or looks different from others, see a doctor within a few days.
• If a wound does not heal after 3 to 4 weeks, get it checked.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Ask your doctor how often you should have a skin exam, especially if you have a higher risk of melanoma.
• It is good to check your own skin monthly and mention any concerns at your next appointment.

Diagnosis

A doctor will first look at your skin and ask about your history. If a spot looks suspicious, they will do a biopsy, which means removing a small sample of the skin and sending it to a lab to check for cancer cells.

Tests that may be done

• Skin examination and dermoscopy (using a special magnifying tool)
• Biopsy of the suspicious spot
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (to check if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes)
• Imaging tests like MRI, CT, or PET scans if there is concern about spread

What to expect at your appointment

You may have a local anesthetic to numb the skin before a biopsy. The result usually comes back in about a week. If melanoma is found, your doctor will discuss the stage and next steps with you.

Treatment

Treatment for melanoma depends on the stage and where it is. The main goal is to remove the cancer completely. If caught early, surgery alone may be enough. For more advanced melanoma, additional treatments may be needed.

Self-care at home

• Protect the area from the sun while it heals.
• Keep wound dressings clean and dry as instructed.
• Follow up with your doctor for any planned skin checks.

Medical treatments

Beyond surgery, treatment options include immunotherapy (which helps your immune system fight cancer), targeted therapy (which attacks specific changes in cancer cells), and occasionally radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Medicines are prescribed by specialists based on your individual situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is the most common treatment for early melanoma. The doctor removes the melanoma and a small area of healthy skin around it to make sure all cancer cells are gone.

Living with this condition

After treatment, you will need regular skin check-ups. It is important to keep an eye on all your moles and report any changes. You can live a full life after melanoma, but sun safety becomes a daily habit.

Lifestyle tips

• Use sun protection every day, even when it is cloudy.
• Wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing when outdoors.
• Avoid tanning beds completely.
• Check your own skin once a month for new or changing spots.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and staying active can help you feel better overall. There is no special diet that treats melanoma, but a healthy lifestyle supports your immune system during recovery.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A melanoma diagnosis can be stressful and worrying. It is normal to feel anxious. Talk to your healthcare team about how you are feeling. Many people find support from friends, family, or a counselor helpful.

Prevention

Many melanomas can be prevented by protecting your skin from UV light. This means using sunscreen, seeking shade, and avoiding tanning beds. Early detection through regular skin checks also helps catch melanoma when it is most treatable.

Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine for melanoma. Experimental vaccines are being studied, but they are not available for routine use.

Screening programmes

There is no national routine screening for melanoma like there is for some other cancers. Instead, doctors recommend regular self-exams and periodic skin checks by a professional if you are at higher risk.

Complications

If left untreated

• Melanoma can grow deeper into the skin and spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• It can spread to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain, which makes treatment harder.

Long-term outlook

When melanoma is found early, the outlook is very good, and surgery often cures it. Even for more advanced melanomas, newer treatments help many people live longer with a better quality of life. Every case is different, so it is important to talk with your specialist about what you can expect.

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