Hearing the words “You have melanoma” can be overwhelming. It’s natural to feel a flood of emotions—fear, confusion, anxiety, even disbelief. Whether you found the mole yourself, your health professional raised concerns during a routine skin check, or it was spotted by chance, a melanoma diagnosis is a serious moment that raises many questions.
What Is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour. It is the most serious type of skin cancer because it can spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body if not caught early.
That said, when detected early, melanoma is highly treatable.
Step One: Understanding Your Diagnosis
After the biopsy confirms melanoma, your care team will focus on staging the cancer. This determines how advanced it is and helps guide treatment.
The Stages of Melanoma:
- Stage 0 (in situ): Confined to the top layer of skin.
- Stage I-II: Localised melanoma; thickness and presence of ulceration matter.
- Stage III: Has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: Has spread to distant organs or other parts of the body.
You’ll likely have additional tests, such as:
- A wide local excision (removal of surrounding skin)
- Lymph node biopsy (especially sentinel node biopsy)
- Imaging scans (for later-stage cases)
Treatment Options
Your treatment plan depends on the stage and location of the melanoma, your general health, and preferences. Common treatments include:
- Surgery
- For early-stage melanomas, surgical excision may be all that’s needed.
- For more advanced cases, lymph node removal may also be required.
- Immunotherapy
- Certain immunotherapy drugs may be available to help boost your immune system to fight cancer.
- Often used for Stage III–IV or in cases where surgery isn’t enough.
- Targeted Therapy
- If your melanoma has certain genetic mutations (like BRAF), targeted drugs may be prescribed.
- Radiation or Chemotherapy
- Less commonly used now, but still an option in certain cases.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
After initial treatment, you’ll enter a stage of surveillance and long-term care. This is critical to catch any signs of recurrence or new melanomas.
Your follow-up plan may include:
- Skin exams every 3–12 months, depending on your risk
- Imaging scans if your melanoma was advanced
- Self-monitoring your skin at home
- Possibly continuing immunotherapy (for some patients)
What About Scars or Side Effects?
Most melanoma surgeries leave a scar, especially if a wide area is removed. Some patients also experience:
- Lymphedema (swelling) if lymph nodes are removed
- Fatigue, rashes or other side effects from immunotherapy
- Anxiety or depression post-diagnosis
Talking to a health care professional or oncology specialist about cosmetic concerns, side effects and mental health is a vital part of aftercare.
Living With a Melanoma Diagnosis
Life after melanoma may involve some big and small changes. Here’s what to expect:
✅ Sun Safety Becomes a Priority
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily
- Wear hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing
- Avoid tanning beds completely
✅ Routine Becomes Your Best Friend
- Keep up with your check-ups, even if you feel fine
- Take photos of your skin monthly to track any changes
✅ Your Mental Health Matters
- A cancer diagnosis can bring emotional trauma
- Consider counselling, support groups or talking to a trusted friend
Final Thoughts
Being diagnosed with melanoma is life-changing—but it doesn’t mean life stops. With early detection, melanoma is one of the most treatable cancers. Even in more advanced stages, treatments continue to improve every year.
Stay informed. Ask questions. Advocate for your health. You are not alone on this journey—your care team is here to walk with you every step of the way.
Top Australian Melanoma Resources
| Organisation | What it offers | Why it’s useful |
| Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) | Patient guides, how melanoma is diagnosed, treatment information, support services, facts and prevention tips. Melanoma Institute Australia+3Melanoma Institute Australia+3Melanoma Institute Australia+3 | It’s one of the leading melanoma research and care centres in Australia. Great for accurate, up‑to‑date medical info and also emotional support. |
| Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA) | Free support services including a national support line, peer support groups, wellness hub, information resources, carers/family supports. Melanoma Patients Australia+4Melanoma Patients Australia+4Melanoma Patients Australia+4 | Excellent for help once you’re diagnosed, or if a family member is involved. They focus strongly on emotional support as well as practical guidance. |
| Australian Melanoma Research Foundation (AMRF) | Funds melanoma research, raises awareness, early detection programs. Offers downloadable tools like skin‑check sheets. melanomaresearch.com.au+1 | Good if you want to understand current research, prevention, or want resources to help with early detection. |
| Cancer Council Australia | Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of melanoma (for healthcare professionals), plus general patient info via state bodies. Cancer Council Australia | Useful to see what the standard of care is in Australia, what treatments are recommended, and to ensure that what you’re being offered aligns with evidence‑based practice. |
| Australian Skin Cancer Foundation | Education, free skin checks (their mobile Skin Check Truck), advocacy, what to look for in skin changes. Australian Skin Cancer Foundation | Very helpful for early detection/prevention. Their free‑check services can be especially useful if you live in a more remote or under-served area. |
| Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) | Learning resources, advocacy for patients/families, policy involvement. mscan.org.au | If you want help navigating not just treatment but the big picture: patient rights, what other people have experienced, how to have your voice heard. |