Getting diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer
See your GP if you develop a new mole or abnormal area of skin. This includes on the soles of your feet and the skin under your nails. Or if you notice a change to an existing mole.
Even if you’re worried about what it might be, you shouldn’t delay seeing them. Your worry is unlikely to go away if you don’t make an appointment. You won’t be wasting your GP’s time. It might not be cancer. But if it is, the earlier it's picked up the more likely it can be successfully treated.
Last reviewed: 02 Jan 2025
Next review due: 02 Jan 2028
Melanoma skin cancer starts in skin cells called melanocytes. You can get it anywhere on your skin including in a mole, on your palms, the soles of your feet and under your nails.
Symptoms include changes to a mole, freckle or normal patch of skin. Doctors use a checklist of signs to look out for. But it helps to know what your skin normally looks like.
If you have symptoms of melanoma skin cancer you should see your GP. They might ask you to have some tests and may refer you to a specialist.
You may be referred to a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to melanoma skin cancer. This might be an urgent suspected cancer referral.
Find out more about Tests for melanoma skin cancer
Melanoma develops in cells called melanocytes. You have these in your skin and other parts of your body. Melanoma that starts in the skin is called melanoma skin cancer.
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