Types of cancer

Melanoma

Trustworthy information about melanoma, including diagnosis, treatment, side effects and wellbeing

Overview

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It often starts in parts of the body that have been exposed to the sun, but it can also be found on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

It is considered more serious than other types of skin cancer, because it can spread to other parts of the body, especially if it's not found early. We have separate information on non-melanoma skin cancer.

A melanoma diagnosis can be a shock. Find helpful information in Just diagnosed, or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.

Melanoma booklet (PDF)

About this information

The information on this website is not medical, legal or financial advice. Always consult appropriate professionals about your specific situation. Full disclaimer.

Reviewers

This information has been developed by Cancer Council NSW on behalf of all other state and territory Cancer Councils as part of a National Cancer Information Subcommittee initiative.

We thank the reviewers of this booklet:

A/Prof Rachel Roberts-Thomson, Medical Oncologist, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SA; A/Prof Robyn Saw, Surgical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and The University of Sydney, NSW; Alison Button-Sloan, Consumer; Dr Marcus Cheng, Radiation Oncologist Registrar, Alfred Health, VIC; Prof Anne Cust, Deputy Director, The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW, Chair, National Skin Cancer Committee, Cancer Council, and faculty member, Melanoma Institute Australia; Prof David Gyorki, Surgical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Rhonda Harvey, Mohs Surgeon, Dermatologist, Green Square Dermatology, The Skin Hospital, Darlinghurst and Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Centre, RPA, NSW; David Hoffman, Consumer; A/Prof Jeremy Hudson, Southern Cross University, James Cook University, Chair of Dermatology RACGP, Clinical Director, North Queensland Skin Cancer, QLD; Dr Damien Kee, Medical Oncologist, Austin Health and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Clinical Research Fellow, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, VIC; Angelica Miller, Melanoma Community Support Nurse, Melanoma Institute Australia, WA; Romy Pham, 13 11 20 Consultant, QLD; A/Prof Sasha Senthi, Radiation Oncologist, Alfred Health, and Clinical Research Fellow, Victorian Cancer Agency, VIC; Dr Chistoph Sinz, Dermatologist, Melanoma Institute Australia, NSW; Dr Amelia Smit, Research Fellow, Melanoma and Skin Cancer, The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW; Nicole Taylor, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, NSW.

We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.

View our editorial policy.

Key questions

About melanoma

Read about the types of melanoma, who gets melanoma and which health professionals will look after your care.

Questions to ask your doctor

It can be a good idea to prepare a list of questions before your appointments. See our list of questions about melanoma treatment and care.

Key steps

Signs and risk factors

Learn the signs of melanoma and which spots should be checked. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or solariums is the main cause of melanoma.

Diagnosis and tests

If a doctor thinks a spot may be melanoma, they will usually remove part or all of it. This is called a biopsy. It is checked in a laboratory for melanoma cells.

Treatment for early melanoma

If melanoma is found early, you may only need surgery. Additional treatments may include immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

Treatment for advanced melanoma

Advanced or metastatic melanoma has spread to other parts of the body. Treatments may include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

Looking after yourself

Life after treatment

Learn how to protect your skin after treatment, how to spot signs of a new melanoma and how to manage any physical and emotional changes.

Sun protection

Learn how to protect your skin from the sun after a melanoma diagnosis. You need to take special care when the ultraviolet (UV) levels are 3 or above.

For carers

Caring for someone with cancer

Caring for someone with cancer can be both rewarding and demanding. Find out how to take care of yourself and what support is available.

Relevant support

Melanoma Patients Australia

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Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre

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Physical symptoms and side effects

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