Melanoma skin cancer

You may be worried about melanoma skin cancer, have been recently diagnosed, or you may be thinking of someone you care about.

This page has information about melanoma skin cancer symptoms, getting diagnosed, managing treatment and side effects, and how Maggie's can help.

What is melanoma skin cancer?

Melanoma is a type of cancer that usually starts in the skin.

Melanoma skin cancer starts when pigment-producing cells in the skin grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumour. 

It is sometimes called malignant melanoma or cutaneous melanoma.

The two main types of skin cancer are melanoma and non-melanoma. This page is about melanoma skin cancer.

Types of melanoma skin cancer

There are several different types of melanoma skin cancer, including:

• superficial spreading melanoma
• nodular melanoma
• lentigo maligna melanoma
• acral lentiginous melanoma
• desmoplastic melanoma
• amelanotic melanoma
• spitzoid melanoma
• malignant blue naevus (nevus)

Primary and secondary melanoma skin cancer

Melanoma can be primary or secondary.

Primary melanoma skin cancer is melanoma that has not spread beyond the skin or lymph nodes around the main tumour.

Secondary melanoma is when the cancer has spread from the skin cells to other parts of the body. 

This is sometimes called advanced melanoma, metastatic melanoma or stage 4 melanoma.

Other types of melanoma

Mucosal melanoma is rare cancer that starts in the mucus membrane. It can develop in the mouth, nose, throat, anus or around the genitals.

Melanoma of the eye, or ocular melanoma, is a rare cancer that starts in the eye. It is treated differently to melanoma skin cancer.

Causes of melanoma skin cancer

In the UK, the majority of melanoma skin cancers are caused by being exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) light. 

This can be linked to:

• strong sunlight in short bursts – such as sunbathing or holidays in hot countries
• sunbeds
• sunburn

There are other factors that increase your risk of developing skin cancer specifically, including:

• gender - more women develop melanoma than men (partly due to lifestyle factors)
• family history of melanoma
• ethnicity - white people are more at risk of developing melanoma than black or asian people
• your skin type - people with fair skin, red or blonde hair, green or blue eyes, or freckles, or people who tend to burn in the sun and are more at risk
• lots of moles or unusual moles
• a rare type of large birthmark called a giant congenital melanocytic naevus
• previous organ transplant, blood disorder or immunosuppressive drugs
• previous cancer, including melanoma or skin cancer

Other risk factors are common to all cancers. Find out more about reducing your risk of cancer.

Having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get develop melanoma skin cancer.

It is helpful to be aware of the risks so you can see a doctor if you have any concerns.

You may be offered regular skin checks if you have high-risk factors or a family history of melanoma skin cancer. Find out more about genetic testing for cancer.

Signs and symptoms of melanoma skin cancer

Melanoma skin cancer usually causes symptoms that you can see or feel. 

The most common sign of melanoma is a change to the skin or a mole, such as:

• a new abnormal mole
• changes to an existing mole
• unusual blemishes or changes to your skin
• swollen lymph nodes near a mole

Knowing what your skin looks like normally and checking for anything new, changing or unusual is the best way to detect melanoma skin cancer.

Melanoma often looks different from other moles. 

The ABCDE checklist 

The ABCDE checklist can help you spot the signs that a mole or patch of skin might be melanoma.

A – asymmetrical – an uneven shape

B – border – an irregular edge or border, that may be blurry or jagged

C – colour – an uneven colour, or different shades of black, brown, pink or red

D – diameter – wider than the end of a pencil, or 6  mm

E – evolving – changing shape, size or colour or becoming crusty, bleeding or itching.

Most people with these symptoms do not have melanoma skin cancer. 

But if you do have symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor. 

If it is cancer, it will be easier to treat if it has been detected early.

Melanoma in people with black or brown skin

It can be harder to spot melanoma skin cancer signs A, B, C, and D if you have dark skin, so it is especially important to look out for any changes to your skin.

Getting diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer

If you have any symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, the first step will usually be to see your GP.

What happens in your GP appointment

Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms. You should also tell them about any previous skin conditions you have had, and if you have a family history of melanoma skin cancer.

The doctor might:

• examine the patch of skin or mole you are worried about using a magnifier called a dermascope
  
• ask to see you again to monitor the patch of skin or mole
• arrange for you to see a specialist at the hospital

If you don't have a hospital appointment and your symptoms continue or get worse, you should make another GP appointment.

Find out more about preparing for your GP appointment.

Testing for melanoma skin cancer

A dermatologist is a skin specialist. 

To find the cause of your symptoms, a dermatologist may arrange further tests, such as:

• a skin examination
• a biopsy, where a tiny sample of your skin is removed and tested
• tests to check your lymph nodes
• a CT scan, PET-CT scan or an MRI scan

After these tests and scans, you will be given an appointment to receive your results.

Waiting for appointments, tests and results can be a difficult time, and you might find that that asking some questions and preparing for your results helps. Find out more about how Maggie's can help.

Understanding a melanoma skin cancer diagnosis

The doctor will explain if you have melanoma in your results appointment, and whether you need further tests and scans to see if the cancer has spread.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed or in shock after hearing that you have melanoma, and you might have a lot of information to process.

Our cancer support specialists are here to listen, to help you understand what your diagnosis means, and to find the right support for you.

Find your nearest Maggie's to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.

Treatment for melanoma skin cancer

Treatment can be aimed at shrinking a tumour, removing the cancer completely, or controlling the symptoms that it causes. You may have more than one type of treatment.

The treatments most commonly offered for melanoma skin cancer are:

• surgery
• targeted therapies or biological therapies
• immunotherapy
• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• clinical trials

Your cancer care team will work together to decide which treatment options could be best for you. Your doctor and specialist nurse will then discuss these with you.

You might want to get a second opinion before deciding on a treatment plan.

Making treatment decisions can feel daunting, and you might have lots of concerns or questions. Find out more about how Maggie's can support you.

Managing the effects of melanoma skin cancer and treatment

A melanoma skin cancer diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:

• symptoms and side effects of skin cancer and treatment
• changes to your day-to-day life
• worries about money
• a range of feelings and emotions

Contact or visit your nearest Maggie's centre and together we will find the right support for you.

You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.

After treatment for melanoma skin cancer

When treatment ends, it can leave you with mixed feelings of relief and uncertainty.

For many people, melanoma skin cancer is treated successfully. For some, it comes back or is diagnosed at an advanced stage from the start.

We have more information on finishing treatment and treatment for advanced cancer, as well as courses and workshops to support you and your family beyond treatment.

How Maggie's can help

We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.

• Find your nearest centre, leave your details and we’ll give you a call
• Just come in – you don't need an appointment

Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027