We asked Barry Powell, surgeon and skin cancer expert, what he would want to know if he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
Is it treatable?
Yes. If a melanoma is caught early, it is treatable and can be cured. If it is caught late, it can spread through the lymph system or the blood stream and, in some cases, can be very serious.
If I have one melanoma, what are the chances of another developing?
If you’ve had one melanoma, you will have an increased risk (4% to 5% more than the rest of the population), of getting another. One of the main reasons for post-treatment check-ups is to check for the development of new melanomas.
Should I see my doctor if I notice a mole looking different?
See your GP immediately you see signs of a mole changing shape, colour or texture. If your GP has any concerns, you will be referred to a specialist who is likely to be either a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. If your GP suspects cancer, you can expect to see a specialist within two weeks.
Can melanomas spread?
Yes. At the start, a melanoma is thin and lies on the surface of the skin. It can be easily removed at this stage. However, if it's left to become thick, it grows down into the skin and spreads.
How will I be treated?
Surgery is the main form of treatment for melanoma. If it's caught early, surgery is a simple process and takes place in the outpatients department or by an approved doctor working in the community.
As the tumour thickens, however, the surgery becomes more complicated. Scars may be longer and skin grafts or skin flaps may have to be used to cover the gaps from the growth removed during surgery.
Are there any other treatments?
As well as surgical removal of the cancer, you may also be offered sentinel node biopsy. This is used for slightly thicker tumours that have the capacity to spread to the lymph system. If the sentinel node biopsy shows the tumour has spread, you will probably be referred for an operation to remove the remaining lymph glands.
Is using a sunbed a risk factor?
Using a sunbed is not advisable, whether or not you have a melanoma, as it increases the overall risk of skin cancer.
Do I have to hide from the sun?
No, you don’t. But it’s important to avoid being burned by the sun. Use sun protection factor 25-30, cover up when it’s too hot, avoid midday sun and don’t let your children get sunburned.
