Melanoma
What is melanoma skin cancer?
Melanoma is a cancer that most often starts in the skin. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks in our guide to melanoma.
Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer
Risk factors for melanoma include sun and ultraviolet radiation, number of moles and atypical moles. Learn about melanoma risk.
Finding skin cancer early
When non-melanoma is found early the chances of successful treatment are better. Learn what puts you at high risk for skin cancer and symptoms to watch for.
Signs and symptoms of melanoma skin cancer
Symptoms of melanoma include a new mark or spot on the skin and a mole or spot that changes size, shape, colour or height. Learn about symptoms of melanoma.
Diagnosis of melanoma skin cancer
Tests to diagnose melanoma, such as biopsy, are done when symptoms suggest a problem or a doctor suspects melanoma. Learn about diagnosing melanoma.
Stages of melanoma skin cancer
Staging is a way of describing or classifying a cancer based on the extent of cancer in the body. Staging is commonly used to plan treatment. The most common staging system for melanoma is the TNM system. Melanoma is also put into stage groupings (0,1,2,3,4) based on TNM.
If melanoma skin cancer spreads
Melanoma cancer cells have the potential to spread from the skin to other parts of the body where they can grow into new tumours. This process is called metastasis. The tumours are also called metastasis (singular) or metastases (plural).
Prognosis and survival for melanoma skin cancer
Prognosis for melanoma depends on the thickness of the tumour and how fast the cells are growing.
Treatments for melanoma skin cancer
Treatments for melanoma include surgery, biological therapy, radiation and chemotherapy. Learn about treatment plans and options for melanoma.
Supportive care for melanoma skin cancer
Supportive care helps people meet the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of melanoma skin cancer. It is an important part of cancer care. There are many programs and services available to help meet the needs and improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and their loved ones, especially after treatment has ended.
Melanoma skin cancer statistics
The number of Canadians diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer has been increasing.