Melanoma.
It’s the most serious type of skin cancer.
It’s the third most common cancer in Australia for both women and men.
Everything you need to know about melanoma
The Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network is here to guide patients and their carers through their skin cancer or melanoma diagnosis.
It’s our mission to listen to, represent and inform those affected by melanoma.
We’re here to help.
We’re advocating for you
We represent and advocate for the voices of patients and families for improved health care
Research & Policy Involvement
We collaborate with researchers and clinicians to ensure consumer-informed research priorities
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells found predominantly in our skin. It most commonly appears on areas of the body that have been exposed to excessive sun exposure.
Melanoma develops when these melanocytes undergo genetic changes and become cancerous. While it typically arises on the skin, melanoma can occur anywhere melanocytes are present.
These melanocytes produce melanin, the vital pigment that gives our skin its colour and protects it from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning devices.
Types of melanoma
Cutaneous melanoma occurs when cancerous cells mutate and crowd out normal cells. Usually, cutaneous melanoma begins in the epidermis (the top layer of skin) and can become invasive from there.
There are four main subtypes of cutaneous melanoma including:
- Superficial spreading melanoma
- Lentigo maligna melanoma
- Acral lentiginous melanoma
- Nodular melanoma
Other subtypes of cutaneous, such as desmoplastic and amelanotic melanoma, also exist but are not common.
Non cutaneous (not of the skin) melanoma includes:
- Ocular melanoma
- Mucosal melanoma
Frequently Asked Questions
What does melanoma look like?
The appearance of melanoma can vary, but it usually begins as a new spot or a noticeable change in a mole you already have.
Know your ABCDE’s.
Examine your skin regularly, looking for any new moles or lesions as well as changes in the moles you already have. When you examine your moles, remember the ABCDEs of melanoma, and the “Ugly Ducking” Rule. If you notice any of the following, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
A = Asymmetry: Is the spot asymmetric?
B = Border: Are the borders uneven?
C = Colour: Does the spot contain different colours?
D = Diameter: Is the spot larger than 5m in diameter?
E = Evolving (or changing): Have you noted an evolution or growth of the spot?
Learn more about checking your own skin here.
How can I check if I have a melanoma?
If you are concerned about an area on your skin, make an appointment. If you have never had your skin checked, your first point of call is your GP. Melanoma is usually diagnosed by taking a biopsy of a mole or spot that looks suspicious. The tissue is then examined under a microscope to check for melanoma cells.
Find out more about how melanoma is diagnosed.
I’ve been diagnosed with a melanoma. Help!
We hope you are okay after receiving a diagnosis of advanced melanoma.
At MSCAN, we’ve been where you are. We know how challenging it can be to face a diagnosis and to navigate life afterward. Our own lived experiences with melanoma inspired us to develop the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) so more could be done to help people across Australia when they are diagnosed with advanced melanoma.
Check out the Spot on Resource, a helpful guide for people with an advanced melanoma diagnosis, their families and friends.