Melanoma
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. Although less common than Basel Cell Carcinoma (BCC) or Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), melanoma is more serious because it can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.
Face the Facts
- Australia has the highest Melanoma rate in the world.
Melanoma is often referred to as Australia’s National Cancer - 1 Australian is diagnosed with Melanoma every 30 minutes
- Melanoma is the most common cancer for Australians aged 20-39
- If caught early, 90% of Melanoma can be cured with surgery
Causes and Risk Factors
Melanoma is primarily linked to sun and UV exposure, but other factors can increase risk:
- Excessive sun or UV exposure, especially childhood sunburns
- Fair skin, light hair, or blue/green eyes
- Having many or unusual moles
- Family or personal history of melanoma
Warning Signs (ABCDE of Melanoma)
Check your moles and spots for the following changes:
- Asymmetry – one half doesn’t match the other
- Border – irregular, scalloped, or blurred edges
- Colour – uneven shades of brown, black, red, or blue
- Diameter – larger than 6 mm (pencil eraser size)
- Evolving – changes in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding
Diagnosis
Melanoma is usually diagnosed after a skin examination and biopsy, where a small sample is removed and examined under a microscope.
Additional tests may be required if there is concern that the cancer has spread.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage of melanoma:
- Surgical excision – removing the melanoma with some surrounding healthy skin
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy – for invasive melanoma >0.8 mm to check for spread
- Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy – for advanced or metastatic cases
Follow-Up and Prevention
After treatment, it is important to:
- Have regular skin checks with your doctor or dermatologist
- Self-examine your skin monthly for new or changing spots
- Protect your skin from the sun:
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen daily
- Wear protective clothing and hats
- Avoid tanning beds
When to Seek Help
Contact your doctor promptly if you notice:
- A new or changing mole
- Persistent itching, bleeding, or non-healing spots
- Lumps or swelling in lymph node areas (neck, armpit, groin)
Prognosis
When detected early, melanoma is highly curable.
Regular monitoring, sun protection, and prompt attention to new or changing spots are essential to preventing recurrence or new melanomas.
Asymmetry
One half doesn’t match the other.
Border
The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
Colour
The colour isn’t uniform and may have shades of brown, black, or even red
Diameter
The spot is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving
The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour.
It’s important to remember that this is a guide, not a diagnostic tool. If you notice any of these skin cancer signs or are simply concerned about a spot, the best action is to book a professional skin check.
