Getting diagnosed
Your GP will look at your mole, or abnormal area on your skin. They will ask you what you have noticed about it.
They will decide whether to refer you to a specialist. If you have a melanoma you will have more tests to find out how big it is and whether it has spread. This is called staging.
Screening for melanoma skin cancer
There is no national screening programme for melanoma skin cancer in the UK. The best way to pick up melanoma early is for people to know the symptoms and see their GP if they have any of them.
Seeing your GP for symptoms of melanoma skin cancer
You should see your GP if you develop a new mole or abnormal area of skin. Or if you notice a change to an existing mole. They will look at the mole or abnormal skin patch. And may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist).
Referral to a melanoma skin cancer specialist
Your GP should arrange for you to see a specialist if you have skin changes that could be due to melanoma skin cancer. Depending on your symptoms and other factors, this might be an urgent suspected cancer referral.
Tests for melanoma skin cancer
There are a number of tests for melanoma skin cancer, including a biopsy. You may have more tests if the biopsy shows you have melanoma. This includes tests on your lymph nodes and scans.
