What is Melanoma? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that develops in the pigment-producing cells of the skin, known as melanocytes. These cells are responsible for giving the skin its colour. When melanocytes begin to grow uncontrollably, they can form a melanoma.

While melanoma is the 4th most common type of skin cancer, it is the most dangerous type due to its potential to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving outcomes.

Causes of Melanoma

Most melanomas are linked to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources such as tanning beds. However, other genetic and environmental factors can also play a role.

Common Causes and Risk Factors:

Excessive sun exposure, especially during childhood
Fair skin that burns easily or freckles
History of sunburns
Having a large number of moles or atypical moles
Family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
Weakened immune system
Regular use of tanning beds

Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world due to high UV exposure and a fair-skinned population. Regular skin checks are particularly important for South Australians, where UV levels remain high even in cooler months.

Melanoma Symptoms – How to Spot Early Signs

Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, including areas not typically exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet or under the nails. Recognising early signs is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

The ABCDE Rule for Melanoma Detection:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole looks different from the other.
B – Border: Edges are irregular, blurred, or not well-defined.
C – Colour: Multiple shades of brown, black, red, or white are visible.
D – Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
E – Evolving: Any noticeable change in size, shape, colour, or sensation.

The “Ugly Duckling” Sign:

Look for any mole or spot that appears different from the others on your skin. If one lesion stands out or changes while others remain the same, it should be checked by a doctor.

Types of Melanomas

Melanoma can appear in different forms depending on where and how it develops.

Type	Description	Common Locations	Growth Pattern / Prognosis
Superficial Spreading Melanoma	Most common type; spreads across the skin surface before invading deeper layers.	Torso, arms, and legs	Slow growing if detected early.
Nodular Melanoma	More aggressive; grows vertically and quickly penetrates deeper skin layers.	Head, neck, chest	Rapid growth; requires early treatment.
Lentigo Maligna Melanoma	Often occurs in older adults; arises from long-term sun exposure.	Face, ears, scalp	Slow to develop but may become invasive.
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma	Appears on palms, soles, or under nails; not related to sun exposure.	Hands, feet, nails	Often diagnosed later due to hidden location.

How is Melanoma Diagnosed?

Melanoma is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and laboratory testing.

Steps in Diagnosis:

Skin Examination: A doctor inspects moles or lesions using a dermatoscope.
Biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed for microscopic analysis.
Histopathology: The sample is examined by a pathologist to confirm melanoma and assess its thickness (Breslow depth).
Staging: Further tests (e.g. lymph node biopsy, CT or PET scan) may be required to determine if melanoma has spread.

Is a biopsy necessary for melanoma diagnosis?

Yes. A biopsy is the only way to confirm melanoma, as visual assessment alone cannot determine the exact type or stage.

Treatment Options for Melanoma

The best treatment depends on the type, thickness, and spread of the melanoma. Early-stage melanomas are often curable with surgery alone.

Common Treatment Approaches:

Surgical Excision: The most common treatment; removes the melanoma with a margin of healthy tissue.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Assesses if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Immunotherapy: Stimulates the immune system to target melanoma cells.
Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs that act on specific genetic mutations within melanoma cells.
Radiotherapy or Chemotherapy: Occasionally used for advanced or recurrent cases.

At Plastic Surgery Central, our surgeons perform melanoma excisions with the necessary margin for cure, focusing on precise removal and optimal reconstruction for minimal scarring and natural contour.

Prevention and Early Detection of Melanoma

Preventing melanoma starts with protecting your skin and monitoring for changes.

Sun Safety Checklist:

☑ Avoid peak sunlight hours.

☑ Wear SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply regularly.

☑ Cover exposed skin with hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses.

☑ Seek shade where possible.

☑ Schedule regular skin checks, annually, or more often if you’ve had previous skin cancers.

Early detection offers the best chance of successful treatment.

Living with Melanoma: Prognosis and Support

Prognosis varies depending on the stage at diagnosis. When detected early, melanoma has a high survival rate. Follow-up care often includes regular skin checks, imaging, and ongoing review with your healthcare team.

At Plastic Surgery Central, patients are supported through every step of their melanoma journey — from diagnosis and surgery to recovery and ongoing monitoring.

For additional information, visit:

Cancer Council Australia

Melanoma Institute Australia