Diagnosis

The first sign of a melanoma is usually the appearance of a new spot or a change in an existing freckle or mole. The change may be in size, shape and/or colour, and the change is normally noticed over several weeks or months rather than days.

A normal freckle or mole usually has an even colour and a smooth edge. A melanoma often has an irregular edge or surface. It may be spotted with brown, black, blue, red, white and/or light grey. A freckle or mole that itches or bleeds by itself is sometimes (but not always) a melanoma. A freckle or mole that becomes larger or irregular in shape may be a melanoma. It is quite normal for new moles to appear and change during childhood and pregnancy.

Your family doctor will examine you and refer you for tests to see if you have melanoma. This can be a trying, tiring time, especially if you need to have several tests.

If the tests show you have or may have melanoma, your doctor will refer you to a specialist who will examine you and may ask you to have more tests. If you have melanoma, one or more specialists will advise you about treatment options.