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1. Clinical assessment
Evaluate lesion size, shape, color, and border characteristics, combined with history and the speed of change, to form an initial clinical suspicion.
2. Dermoscopy
A noninvasive method to visualize microstructures and pigment patterns, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing unnecessary biopsies.
3. Pathological biopsy
Excisional biopsy is the gold standard to confirm diagnosis and determine subtype, Breslow thickness, and ulceration status; partial biopsy should be avoided whenever feasible.
4. Imaging studies
Ultrasound, CT, or PET-CT may be used to evaluate distant metastasis and support accurate staging.
5. Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Lymphatic mapping is used to assess regional lymph node involvement, helping guide treatment planning and prognostic stratification.
6. Molecular diagnostics
Testing for driver mutations such as BRAF and c-KIT provides a basis for selecting targeted therapies when indicated.
7. Immunohistochemistry
Supports histopathologic diagnosis and subtyping, and may provide prognostic information and potential therapeutic targets in selected cases.
8. Ultrasound evaluation
A convenient, noninvasive tool to assess tumor thickness/depth and regional lymph nodes as supportive information.
9. Self-examination for melanoma
Perform monthly full-body skin self-examinations using the ABCDE rule, and seek medical evaluation promptly for suspicious changes.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that melanoma is highly aggressive and can metastasize early to lymph nodes and visceral organs, posing a serious threat to life. Increasing awareness of lesion changes, performing regular skin self-examinations, and seeking early medical evaluation for suspicious lesions — followed by precision diagnosis to guide individualized treatment — are critical to improving treatment outcomes.
1. Clinical assessment
Evaluate lesion size, shape, color, and border characteristics, combined with history and the speed of change, to form an initial clinical suspicion.
2. Dermoscopy
A noninvasive method to visualize microstructures and pigment patterns, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing unnecessary biopsies.
3. Pathological biopsy
Excisional biopsy is the gold standard to confirm diagnosis and determine subtype, Breslow thickness, and ulceration status; partial biopsy should be avoided whenever feasible.
4. Imaging studies
Ultrasound, CT, or PET-CT may be used to evaluate distant metastasis and support accurate staging.
5. Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Lymphatic mapping is used to assess regional lymph node involvement, helping guide treatment planning and prognostic stratification.
6. Molecular diagnostics
Testing for driver mutations such as BRAF and c-KIT provides a basis for selecting targeted therapies when indicated.
7. Immunohistochemistry
Supports histopathologic diagnosis and subtyping, and may provide prognostic information and potential therapeutic targets in selected cases.
8. Ultrasound evaluation
A convenient, noninvasive tool to assess tumor thickness/depth and regional lymph nodes as supportive information.
9. Self-examination for melanoma
Perform monthly full-body skin self-examinations using the ABCDE rule, and seek medical evaluation promptly for suspicious changes.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that melanoma is highly aggressive and can metastasize early to lymph nodes and visceral organs, posing a serious threat to life. Increasing awareness of lesion changes, performing regular skin self-examinations, and seeking early medical evaluation for suspicious lesions — followed by precision diagnosis to guide individualized treatment — are critical to improving treatment outcomes.