- If a skin lesion or mole appears suspicious, it may be removed, or alternatively a biopsy taken for further evaluation. This is usually done with a local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel any pain.
- If melanoma is confirmed, you may require further tests and treatment.
- We’ve put together some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and useful tips to help you know what to expect if you have been diagnosed with melanoma. Click here to read more
- Remember if you have an early-stage melanoma (stage 1 or 2), you are unlikely to feel unwell or have any additional symptoms other than the appearance, or change in appearance, of your mole or lesion. This is why you must contact your GP if you notice a new mole, lesion, nail streak or a change in a pre-existing area. It is always better to get checked out early. Melanoma is easier to treat and potentially curable if picked up early.
- If diagnosed with a later stage melanoma (stage 3 or 4) you may experience other symptoms, for example at stage 3 some people experience swollen lymph nodes. Find out more.
For melanoma skin cancer (or cutaneous melanoma), (view our Melanoma Stages and Treatment – Patient Guide), an up-to-date resource to support you during you melanoma journey. There are videos, animations and clear explanations from diagnosis and staging to treatment as well as important wellbeing information such as diet and the microbiome, your mental health, vitamin D and fertility. It has been designed in partnership with medical and nursing teams and patients to help you know what to expect.
