Melanoma skin cancer

If you’re affected by melanoma, you may have many questions about how it is diagnosed, treatment options, side effects and how to stay well. You can find trustworthy information about all aspects of your experience below.

Melanoma cancer book
Download PDF

Print these questions

Diagnosis

  • What type of melanoma do I have? How thick is it?
  • Has the melanoma spread? How fast is it growing?
  • Did the biopsy remove all of the melanoma?
  • Are the latest tests and treatments for melanoma available in this hospital?
  • Can you explain the results of the tests to me?
  • Are there clinical guidelines for this type of melanoma?

Treatment

  • What treatment do you recommend? What is the aim of the treatment?
  • How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
  • How much will treatment cost? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
  • How will I know if the treatment is working?
  • Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?

Side effects

  • What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment? How can these be managed?
  • Will I have a lot of pain? If I do, what will be done about this?
  • Will there be any scarring after the melanoma is removed?
  • What are the chances I will get lymphoedema after treatment?

After treatment

  • How often will I need to get my skin checked after treatment? Who should I go to for my skin checks?
  • How can I protect myself from the sun and get enough vitamin D?
  • If the melanoma returns, how will I know? What treatments could I have?
  • Are there any local support groups for people with melanoma?

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. We have separate information on the more common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Podcast for people affected by cancer

Listen now

Need to talk?

Call 13 11 20 to talk to a health professional Or email us your questions.