Melanoma

Over 10,600* Australians are diagnosed each year with a malignant melanoma that requires removal. Over 1,200* individuals die from this condition. Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment cells of the skin, known as melanocytes.

The “ABCDE” rule is a good indication as to whether a mole should be examined further by a doctor.

• Asymmetrical lesions

• Border irregularity

• Colour variation

• Diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser

• Evolution (changes in A,B,C, or D over time)

If a mole or freckle is diagnosed as melanoma, it is removed by surgery and a biopsy of a lymph node near the melanoma is taken. Surgery can be curative for thin or early stage melanomas. A melanoma that has spread to the lymph node may require further surgery and occasionally, additional treatments. Examples of further treatment options include immunotherapy or chemotherapy. If these are required, healthcare professionals will adopt a number of methods/treatments to minimise side effects and to maximise benefits.

* Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2008. (accessed 4 May 2009)