Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. It can appear as a new spot on the skin or as a change in an existing mole. Recognising these changes and seeking medical advice promptly can help identify melanoma and guide appropriate care.
Understanding melanoma cancer treatment, recognising warning signs and arranging a professional melanoma check when needed are important steps in looking after your skin health.
At Canberra Skin Cancer Clinic, learning about skin cancer risks, early detection and available treatment options can help patients make informed decisions about their care.
What Is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a potentially serious form of skin cancer. It can develop anywhere on the body, including areas that receive less sun exposure. Although it may begin as a small spot, melanoma can grow and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) radiation are important risk factors. A personal or family history of melanoma, having many moles and certain skin types can also influence a person's risk.
Regularly observing your skin and discussing any concerning changes with a healthcare professional can help you understand when further assessment may be needed.
Why Is Early Detection Important?
Early detection helps doctors identify suspicious skin changes and determine the appropriate next steps. When melanoma is found at an early stage, treatment is often more straightforward than when the cancer has spread.
A professional skin examination can help assess unusual moles, new spots and changes in existing skin lesions. If a doctor suspects melanoma, a biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Early detection does not guarantee a particular outcome, but seeking medical advice about suspicious changes is an important part of skin health.
Common Warning Signs of Melanoma
Melanoma can look different from one person to another. Knowing what is normal for your skin can help you notice changes that need medical attention.
Look out for these warning signs:
Asymmetry: One half of a mole looks different from the other.
Border changes: The edges appear irregular, uneven or poorly defined.
Colour changes: A spot contains different shades of brown, black, red, pink or other colours.
Diameter: A spot may be larger than 6 mm, although melanomas can also be smaller.
Evolution: A mole or spot changes in size, shape, colour or appearance over time.
Other warning signs include a new spot, a sore that does not heal, unexpected bleeding, persistent itching or a rapidly growing lump.
These signs do not automatically mean that a spot is cancerous. However, any new or changing lesion should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
What Happens During a Melanoma Check?
A melanoma check helps a healthcare professional examine suspicious spots and assess your skin for possible signs of skin cancer.
Depending on your concerns and risk factors, the appointment may include the following steps.
1. Discussing Your Skin Health
The doctor may ask about changes you have noticed, your history of sun exposure and whether you or your family have previously had skin cancer.
2. Examining Suspicious Spots
The doctor examines the area of concern and may use a dermatoscope, a handheld instrument that magnifies the skin and helps assess a lesion's features.
3. Considering Further Testing
If a spot appears suspicious, the doctor may recommend a biopsy. This involves removing some or all of the lesion so a laboratory can examine the tissue.
A biopsy is generally needed to confirm whether a suspicious lesion is melanoma.
4. Discussing the Next Steps
If melanoma is confirmed, further assessment may be required to determine its stage. The results help the treating team decide which treatment options are appropriate.
Understanding Melanoma Cancer Treatment Options
The most suitable melanoma cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the melanoma's stage, thickness, location and whether it has spread. A doctor or specialist can explain the options based on the confirmed diagnosis.
Surgical Removal
Surgery is the main treatment for many melanomas that have not spread beyond the original site. The procedure generally involves removing the melanoma along with a margin of surrounding skin.
Some patients may need additional surgery or further tests, depending on the biopsy results and risk of spread.
Lymph Node Assessment
If there is a concern that melanoma may have spread, doctors may recommend examining nearby lymph nodes. A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be appropriate for selected patients.
Not everyone with melanoma requires this procedure. The decision depends on individual clinical findings.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses medicines that help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It may be recommended for certain higher-risk or advanced melanomas, depending on the circumstances.
Targeted Therapy
Some melanomas have specific genetic changes that can be targeted with medicines. If appropriate, doctors may arrange tumour testing to determine whether targeted treatment is an option.
Other Specialist Treatments
Depending on the stage and individual circumstances, treatment may also involve radiation therapy, other medicines or participation in a clinical trial.
Your treating specialist will explain the potential benefits, risks and side effects of each suitable option.
The Importance of Follow-Up Care
Care does not always end after melanoma has been removed. Follow-up appointments may be recommended to monitor healing, check for recurrence and identify any new skin cancers.
Your follow-up plan will depend on the melanoma's stage, previous treatment and personal risk factors.
Between appointments, become familiar with your skin and look for new or changing spots. Protect your skin from excessive UV exposure by using sun protection, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade when appropriate.
If you notice a suspicious change, arrange a medical assessment rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment.
Skin Cancer Care at Canberra Skin Cancer Clinic
Canberra Skin Cancer Clinic provides skin cancer screening, assessment and care for patients in Canberra. If you have noticed a changing mole, an unusual spot or another skin concern, seeking professional advice can help you understand the appropriate next steps.
Dr Senthil Kumaar has a doctor profile available through HotDoc. You can review the profile for available appointment information.
For clinic details or appointment enquiries, visit the Canberra Skin Cancer Clinic website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most common treatment for early melanoma?
Surgical removal is the main treatment for many early-stage melanomas. The doctor may remove the melanoma and some surrounding skin. Further treatment depends on the pathology results and individual circumstances.
2. Can melanoma develop in an existing mole?
Yes. Melanoma can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new spot. Changes in size, shape, colour or appearance should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
3. How often should I have a melanoma check?
The appropriate frequency depends on your skin cancer risk, medical history and previous findings. Ask your doctor how often you should have your skin examined.
4. Is every unusual mole a sign of melanoma?
No. Many unusual moles and skin spots are benign. However, a new, changing, bleeding or otherwise suspicious lesion should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
5. Can melanoma spread to other parts of the body?
Yes. Melanoma can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other organs. Its risk of spreading depends on factors such as tumour thickness and stage, which is why timely assessment is important.
6. When should I see a doctor about a suspicious spot?
Arrange a medical appointment promptly if you notice a new or changing mole, an unusual spot, unexplained bleeding or a sore that does not heal. Do not wait for a routine skin check if you are concerned.
Conclusion
Understanding melanoma warning signs and seeking timely medical advice are important steps in protecting your skin health. A professional melanoma check can help assess suspicious spots, while a biopsy and further investigations may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Melanoma cancer treatment varies according to the stage and characteristics of the cancer, so care should always be guided by qualified healthcare professionals.
For information about skin cancer assessment and care in Canberra, visit Canberra Skin Cancer Clinic and discuss any skin concerns with an appropriate healthcare professional.
