Understanding Your Melanoma Diagnosis

Clear Guidance for Your Results

Melanoma develops in the pigment-producing cells of the skin and can vary in type, thickness, and aggressiveness. Your pathology report details the tumor’s depth, ulceration, and other key features, helping your care team guide treatment and follow-up.

HONEST Pathology specialists review each part of your melanoma report carefully, offering clear explanations and supportive guidance. We help you understand what each finding means for your treatment options and next steps, empowering you to feel confident in your care plan.

Melanoma Diagnosis
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Frequently Asked Questions

Melanoma can be superficial spreading, nodular, lentigo maligna, or acral lentiginous. Identifying the type helps your care team choose the most effective surgical or medical therapies.

The thickness (Breslow depth) shows how deeply melanoma has penetrated the skin. Thicker tumors may require more aggressive treatment and closer follow-up.

Ulceration occurs when the skin over the tumor breaks down. Its presence can indicate a more aggressive tumor and may influence treatment decisions.

Yes. Tests for mutations such as BRAF or NRAS can help identify targeted therapy options and personalize treatment plans.

 If melanoma cells are found in nearby lymph nodes, it indicates a higher risk of spread. This information helps your team determine the need for additional therapy.

Staging is based on tumor thickness, ulceration, and lymph node involvement. Accurate staging guides treatment decisions and helps predict prognosis.

 Clear margins mean no cancer cells remain at the edges of removed tissue. Positive margins may require additional surgery or therapy.

Immunotherapy can help the immune system recognize and attack melanoma cells, especially in advanced cases or when certain genetic markers are present.

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