Melanoma skin cancer

The main sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or an existing mole that changes size, shape or colour, or bleeds or itches.

Melanoma can be diagnosed by cutting out a section of affected skin and checking it for cancer. This is called an excision biopsy.

Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma skin cancer. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used.

Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of melanoma. Getting sunburn a lot increases your chances of getting melanoma.

A new mole or a change in an existing mole may be signs of melanoma.

Melanomas can appear anywhere on your body, but they're more common in areas that are often exposed to the sun.

Some rarer types can affect the eyes, soles of the feet, palms of the hands or genitals.

Check your skin for any unusual changes. Use a mirror or ask a partner or friend to check any areas you cannot see.

Mole with an uneven shape or edges

Normal moles are usually round with smooth edges.

Melanomas are often an uneven shape. They may have 2 different shaped halves and uneven edges.

Mole with a mix of colours

Normal moles are usually only 1 colour.

Melanomas are often a mix of 2 or more colours.

Large mole

Normal moles are usually small. They're often about the same size as the end of a pencil or smaller.

Melanomas tend to be bigger, often more than 6mm wide. But they can sometimes be smaller if they're diagnosed early.

Mole that changes over time

Normal moles usually do not change over time.

A mole that changes size, shape or colour may be a melanoma.

Other signs to look out for include moles that are:

• swollen and sore
• bleeding
• itchy
• crusty

It's important to get any changes to a new or existing mole, such as changes in size, shape or colour, checked by a GP.

• you have a mole that's changed size, shape or colour
• you have a mole that's painful or itchy
• you have a mole that's inflamed, bleeding or crusty
• you have a new or unusual mark on your skin that has not gone away after a few weeks (including on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• you have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury

Finding a melanoma as early as possible can mean it's easier to treat.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is the most common cause of melanoma. It comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds.

Melanoma is more common in older people, but younger people can also get it.

You're also more likely to get melanoma if you have:

• pale skin that burns easily in the sun
• red or blonde hair
• blue or green eyes
• a large number of freckles or moles
• had a lot of sun exposure and you've had sunburn a lot in the past
• used sunbeds a lot
• a history of skin cancer in your family or you've had skin cancer before

If you have black or brown skin, you have a lower chance of getting melanoma, but you can still get it.

People with black or brown skin most often get melanoma on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, or under a nail.

Staying safe in the sun is the best way to lower your chance of getting skin cancer (both melanoma and non-melanoma).

• stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm in the UK)

• keep your arms and legs covered and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays

• use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection – make sure you reapply it regularly

• make sure babies and children are protected from the sun – their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin

If a GP refers you to a specialist (dermatologist) because they think you could have skin cancer, you'll have tests to check for melanoma.

The specialist will check your skin and ask you about any changes you've noticed. They may use a magnifying device that lets them look at the skin more closely.

The specialist may also cut out the mole and a small area of surrounding skin so it can be sent to a lab and checked for cancer. This is known as an excision biopsy.

Melanoma skin cancer can often be treated. The treatment you have will depend on:

• where the cancer is
• if it has spread
• your general health

Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

• explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
• work with you to create a treatment plan that's best for you
• discuss the chances of the melanoma coming back and how it will be treated if it does

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. Depending on the stage of your melanoma, you may have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about melanoma skin cancer.

Melanoma Focus

Information, guidance and support for patients, carers and healthcare professionals.

• Website: www.melanomafocus.org
• Helpline: 0808 801 0777
• Melanoma Focus: melanoma resources for patients and carers

Melanoma UK

Information and support for anyone affected by melanoma.

• Website: www.melanomauk.org.uk
• Helpline: 0161 821 5657
• Melanoma UK: melanoma support

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
• Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
• Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
• Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
• Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
• Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
• Macmillan Cancer Support: online melanoma forum
• Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

• Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
• Helpline: 0800 090 2309
• Marie Curie: information and support
• Marie Curie: online community
• Marie Curie: patient services