When melanoma is detected and treated early, the estimated five-year survival rate is 99%,⁴ so early detection is essential.

According to the Cancer Council, the first sign is usually a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new spot. Changes may include:⁵

• Colour – a mole may change colour, develop different shades, or become blotchy
• Size – a mole may grow larger
• Shape – a mole may become irregular in shape, increase in height, or lose its symmetry
• Elevation – the mole may become raised
• Itching or bleeding

While many factors can contribute to melanoma, the leading cause is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This most commonly comes from the sun but can also come from artificial sources such as solariums.⁶

Factors that may increase your risk of developing melanoma include:⁶

• Unprotected or excessive UV exposure (from the sun or sun lamps)
• Fair, pale, or freckled skin that burns easily
• A personal or family history of melanoma or other cancers
• Having many moles, especially those that are large, irregularly shaped, or uneven in colour
• A weakened immune system due to medical conditions or certain medications

Melanoma most often develops on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun. However, it can also occur in areas that receive little or no sun exposure, such as:

• The eye (uveal or ocular melanoma)
• Nasal passages, mouth, and genitals (mucosal melanoma)
• Soles of the feet, palms of the hands, and under the nails (acral melanoma)⁷

Non-melanoma skin cancers—including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)—are far more common than melanoma, making up about 99% of all skin cancer cases.⁸

Surgery is the most common treatment for melanoma diagnosed at an early stage (stages 0–2, or localised melanoma). This involves removing the cancerous area, and sometimes a margin of surrounding tissue to ensure all cancer cells are removed.

Radiation therapy is not commonly used to treat the primary melanoma. However, it may be recommended when melanoma has spread to other parts of the body to help shrink tumours and relieve symptoms such as pain. It can also be used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.¹⁰

If melanoma has metastasised (spread to other parts of the body), treatment may include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy and surgery.⁶

The best treatment option will depend on factors such as the characteristics of the melanoma, where it has spread, and the symptoms you may be experiencing.

Learn more about:

• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Radiation therapy