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Melanoma

Also called: Malignant melanoma, Skin melanoma, Cutaneous melanoma

The most serious skin cancer. Found early, it's almost always cured, so new or changing moles should be checked.

Check moles withABCDE
Outlook if found earlyAbout 99 in 100 survive 5 years

Overview

Melanoma can appear anywhere, including skin that doesn't see the sun, under nails, on palms and soles, and in the eye. On darker skin it's more often on the palms, soles, or under the nails.

Early melanoma is removed with surgery. Melanoma that has spread is now often treated with immunotherapy or targeted pills, which have greatly improved survival.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • New mole, or a mole that's changing in size, shape, or color
  • Mole with uneven edges or several colors

Less common

  • Mole that itches, bleeds, or crusts
  • Dark streak under a nail
  • Sore that won't heal

Look up a symptom: Dark streak or line in a nail without an injury · Mole or spot that's new or changing · Red spot, bump, or patch on the skin · Sunburn

When to get medical care

Call 911Trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, a seizure, sudden confusion, or fainting: call 911.
Get care todayFever during cancer treatment, or new or quickly worsening symptoms.
See a doctor soonSymptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks.

Causes

Changes in a cell's genes that make it grow out of control. Most happen by chance; some are linked to the risk factors below or to inherited genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • Cancer isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Sunburns, especially blistering ones as a child
  • Tanning beds
  • Fair skin, red or blond hair
  • Many moles or unusual moles
  • Family history

Diagnosis

Tests look for the cause. Many people checked for these symptoms turn out not to have cancer.

Questions you may be asked

  • When symptoms started and whether they're getting worse
  • Family history of cancer
  • Past illnesses, treatments, and exposures

The exam

A physical exam, focused on where the symptoms are.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Skin exam with a dermatoscope:
  • Skin biopsy:
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy: For some.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and your overall health. A cancer care team makes a plan with you.

Self-care

  • Write down symptoms and when they started
  • Bring someone with you to appointments
  • Ask for copies of test results
  • Ask about clinical trials: they can offer new treatments
  • Quit smoking: it helps at every stage

Surgery, immunotherapy, targeted pills (for BRAF changes), or radiation.

Prevention

To lower risk or find it early:

  • Use sunscreen SPF 30+, hats, and shade
  • Never use tanning beds
  • Check your skin monthly

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an oncologist (cancer doctor), often working with surgeons and radiation doctors.

Living with it

  • Keep a simple notebook of symptoms, medicines, and questions for visits.
  • Ask for a survivorship care plan when treatment ends.
  • Gentle activity, like walking, can ease tiredness.
  • A cancer diagnosis can affect mood. Tell the care team if you or your family feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Many people keep working during or after treatment.
  • Ask about changes that help, like flexible hours. Workers may be covered by the ADA.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your cancer team. Some treatments can harm a baby.
  • Ask about saving eggs or sperm before treatment if you may want children later.

For caregivers

  • Go to visits when you can and take notes.
  • Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
  • Learn the warning signs that need fast care, like fever during treatment.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Outlook depends on the type and stage. Cancers found early are usually easier to treat, and treatments keep improving.

Support is available: ask about social workers, nutrition help, and support groups.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started
  • Past test results and scans

Questions to ask

  • How deep was the melanoma?
  • How often should I have skin checks?
  • What stage is it, and what are the treatment options?
  • Are there clinical trials for me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Melanoma

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.