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Skin cancer (melanoma)

Treatment

Open all pages about Skin cancer (melanoma)

The first sign of melanoma is often a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing mole.

Exposure to light from the sun is thought to cause most melanomas, but there's evidence to suggest that some may result from sunbed exposure.

In most cases, a suspicious mole will be surgically removed and closely examined to see whether it's cancerous.

Melanoma can usually be treated with surgery if it's found early. If it has spread, you may need other treatments, such as radiotherapy.

You cannot always prevent melanoma, but you can reduce your chances of getting it by taking care not to get sunburned.

Melanoma, also called malignant melanoma, is a type of skin cancer. It's often caused by too much sun exposure.

Page last reviewed: 07/02/2020
Next review due: 07/02/2023