Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer because it can spread to other parts of the body if it is not found early. The good news is that when melanoma is detected and treated early, it is often curable. Melanoma develops in the melanocytes, the cells that give skin its colour, and can appear as a new spot or as a change in an existing mole.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma begins in the melanocytes and can grow quickly. The most aggressive forms can become dangerous within weeks. It is one of the most common cancers in younger Australians. While it is the most serious skin cancer, early detection dramatically improves outcomes, which is why knowing your skin and having changes checked promptly is so important.

The ABCDE rule - what to look for

Use the ABCDE guide to spot a possible melanoma. See a doctor promptly if a spot shows any of these:

A – Asymmetry: the two halves of the spot do not match.
B – Border: edges are uneven, ragged or blurred.
C – Colour: more than one colour, or uneven colour (brown, black, blue, red, grey).
D – Diameter: spots larger than about 6-7 mm, though melanomas can be smaller.
E – Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour or sensation over weeks to months.

What does melanoma look like?

A melanoma may be a new spot, or an existing mole that changes in size, shape or colour. It is often flat with an uneven, smudgy outline and more than one colour. Some melanomas itch or bleed. Because appearances vary, any changing spot is worth checking.

Types of melanoma

Superficial spreading melanoma

The most common type. It usually grows outward along the skin before growing down, and is often flat with an uneven outline and blotchy, more-than-one colour.

Nodular melanoma

A fast-growing and dangerous type that is raised from the start and often an even colour (red, pink, brown or black). It grows quickly and needs urgent treatment. It is more common in older people on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck and head.

How is SCC diagnosed?

Our doctors assess suspicious spots with dermoscopy and confirm the diagnosis with a biopsy (a small tissue sample examined under a microscope). Because SCC can spread, timely diagnosis is important.

Less common forms include lentigo maligna melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma and desmoplastic melanoma.

Who is at risk?

Risk is higher for people with fair skin, a history of sunburn (especially short, intense exposure), many moles or unusual (dysplastic) moles, light hair and eyes, and a personal or family history of melanoma. Importantly, melanoma can also appear on skin not usually exposed to the sun, including the soles, palms and under the nails, and can occur in people of all skin tones, where it is sometimes found later.

How is melanoma diagnosed?

Suspicious spots are examined with dermoscopy, and diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy. Because some melanomas grow quickly, we assess changing moles promptly.

How is melanoma treated?

Early melanoma is treated by surgically removing the lesion with a margin of healthy skin. More advanced melanoma may need additional treatment and care coordinated with specialist services, and we refer on where that is needed. Our role is early detection, biopsy, excision of suitable lesions, and timely referral.

Prevention & early detection

Protect your skin from UV (cover up, SPF30+, hat, sunglasses, shade, avoid solariums), get to know your own skin, and check it regularly. Because the most aggressive melanomas can progress in weeks, do not wait. See a doctor promptly about any new or changing spot. No referral is needed to book a skin Cancer check with us.

For more information about melanoma and sun protection, visit Cancer Council Australia, Melanoma Institute Australia and SunSmart.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does melanoma grow?

It varies by type. Some melanomas grow slowly, while nodular melanoma can grow within weeks, which is why any changing spot should be checked promptly.

Is melanoma curable?

When found and treated early, melanoma is often curable. Outcomes are best the earlier it is detected, which is the reason regular skin checks and prompt attention to changes matter so much.

Can I get melanoma if I have dark skin?

Yes. Melanoma is less common in people with darker skin but still possible, and can appear in less sun-exposed areas such as the soles, palms or under the nails. It is worth having any changing spot checked whatever your skin tone.