Skin Cancer, Melanoma

The most important warning sign for melanoma is a change in size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin growth (such as a birthmark). Call your doctor if you have:

• Any change in a mole, including size, shape, color, soreness, or pain.
• A bleeding mole.
• A discolored area under a fingernail or toenail not caused by an injury.
• A general darkening of the skin unrelated to sun exposure.

Call your doctor immediately if you have been diagnosed with melanoma and:

• You have trouble breathing or swallowing.
• You cough up or spit up blood.
• You have blood in your vomit or bowel movement.
• Your urine or bowel movement is black, and the blackness isn't caused by taking iron or Pepto-Bismol.

Who to see

The following health professionals can help diagnose melanoma:

• Reference Family medicine doctor Opens New Window
• Reference Internist Opens New Window
• Reference Dermatologist Opens New Window
• Reference Nurse practitioner Opens New Window
• Reference Physician assistant Opens New Window
• Reference Pathologist Opens New Window

If further treatment is needed, melanoma can be treated by a dermatologist, surgeon, Reference plastic or reconstructive surgeon Opens New Window, or Reference medical oncologist Opens New Window.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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