Diagnosis and treatment

How is melanoma diagnosed?

Melanoma is diagnosed by physical examination and biopsy. A biopsy is a quick and simple procedure where part or all of the spot is removed and sent to a laboratory.The biopsy may be done by your GP or you can be referred to a dermatologist or surgeon. Read more about diagnosis

How is melanoma treated?

The treatment for most melanoma is removal by surgery. Further treatments for melanoma include  radiation therapy and chemotherapy (drug treatment). The best treatment for a particular melanoma depends on the type and stage of melanoma (how far it has spread) and the person’s general health. Most people will only need surgery. The melanoma is cut out, as well as a small area of normal-looking skin around it.