Help And Support For Melanoma Skin Cancer

Overview

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in cells called melanocytes. These cells make the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanoma can appear as a new mole or as a change in an existing mole. It is the most serious type of skin cancer, but it is very treatable when found early.

Melanoma is one of the less common types of skin cancer, but it is the most serious. Rates have risen in recent decades, especially in people with lighter skin.

Anyone can get melanoma. It is more common in adults, especially people with fair skin, many moles, or a history of sunburn. It can also affect people with darker skin, often on the soles, palms, under nails, or in the mouth.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A new mole or a change in an existing mole.
• A mole that is uneven in shape, has an irregular border, mixes colors, or is larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 mm).
• A spot that itches, bleeds, crusts, or does not heal.
• A dark streak under a nail or a lump on the skin.

Symptoms in children

• Melanoma is rare in children. Signs can be similar, but a changing or unusual skin lump, a new mole that grows quickly, or a sore that does not heal should be checked by a doctor.
• Children with many moles or a strong family history may need extra skin checks.

Symptoms in older adults

• Melanoma is more common as people get older. It often appears on sun-damaged skin, such as the face, neck, ears, and arms.
• It can be mistaken for an age spot or a harmless growth, so any new or changing spot should be checked.

Causes

Main causes

• Too much ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds damages skin cell DNA. This can lead to melanoma.
• Some melanomas start in moles, but many start in normal-looking skin.
• Melanoma is not contagious.

Risk factors

• Fair skin, light hair, light eyes, or skin that burns easily.
• Many moles or unusual (atypical) moles.
• A history of sunburn, especially blistering sunburn.
• A family history of melanoma or certain inherited gene changes.
• A weakened immune system or some medicines that suppress it.
• Older age, though younger people can get it too.
• Use of tanning beds.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A mole or spot that is bleeding, painful, or changing quickly.
• A new dark streak under a nail or a lump that is growing.
• After skin surgery: fever, spreading redness, pus, or severe pain.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Any new mole or a mole that looks different from your other moles.
• A spot that itches, crusts, or does not heal after a few weeks.
• You have a strong family history of melanoma or many unusual moles.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your skin, sun exposure, and family history. They will look at your skin closely, often with a special magnifying tool called a dermatoscope. If a spot looks suspicious, they will take a small sample (biopsy) to check under a microscope.

Tests that may be done

• Full skin examination.
• Dermoscopy: using a handheld magnifier with light to look at moles more closely.
• Skin biopsy: removing all or part of the suspicious spot for lab testing.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy: a test to see if melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes, if needed.
• Imaging scans such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI if there is a concern about spread.

What to expect at your appointment

A biopsy is usually done with local numbing medicine. You may have a small scar. Results can take one to two weeks. Your care team will explain what the results mean and what happens next.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage, how deep the melanoma is, and whether it has spread. Early melanoma is usually treated with surgery. More advanced melanoma may be treated with treatments that help the immune system fight cancer, targeted therapy, radiation, or chemotherapy. Your team will discuss the options that fit your situation.

Self-care at home

• Keep the wound clean and follow your care team's instructions for dressing changes.
• Protect your skin from the sun, especially the treated area.
• Check your skin monthly and keep follow-up appointments.
• Ask for help with tiredness, worry, or practical needs.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunbathing.

Medical treatments

Doctors may use surgery, immunotherapy (treatments that help your immune system fight cancer), targeted therapy (drugs that target specific changes in cancer cells), radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. The choice depends on the stage, the location, and your general health. Your specialist team will explain the benefits and possible side effects.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is the main treatment for early melanoma. The doctor removes the melanoma and a small margin of normal skin around it. Sometimes they also check nearby lymph nodes. For advanced melanoma, surgery may be used to remove tumors that are causing problems.

Living with this condition

After treatment, you will usually have regular skin checks. You can do monthly self-checks and note any new or changing spots. Protect your skin from strong sun, and give yourself time to recover. It is normal to feel worried before check-ups. Talking to your team can help.

Lifestyle tips

• Use shade, clothing, a hat, and sunglasses when outdoors.
• Use a broad-spectrum, high-factor sunscreen on exposed skin and reapply regularly.
• Avoid sunbeds and tanning lamps.
• Check your skin monthly, including soles, palms, nails, and scalp.
• Keep a simple photo or note of moles that are hard to see.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet and stay active at a level that feels right for you. Gentle exercise can help with tiredness and mood. Ask your care team if you need advice about activity during or after treatment.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A melanoma diagnosis can bring fear, anxiety, low mood, or worry about body image. These feelings are common. Talking to friends, family, a counselor, or a support group can help. If you ever feel you may harm yourself or are in crisis, contact your local emergency number or a local crisis support service right away.

Prevention

You cannot remove all risk, but you can lower it by protecting your skin from UV light. Avoiding sunburn and tanning beds is especially important.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine to prevent melanoma.

Screening programmes

There is no national screening test for melanoma in most countries. People at higher risk may be offered regular skin checks. Everyone can check their own skin and ask a doctor about any new or changing spot.

Complications

If left untreated

• Melanoma can grow deeper into the skin and spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
• Advanced melanoma can cause serious illness and can be life-threatening.
• Treatment is usually easier and more successful when melanoma is found early.

Long-term outlook

Most people with early melanoma are treated successfully with surgery. Even when melanoma has spread, newer treatments are helping more people live longer and better. Regular follow-up and support can help you feel more in control.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.