Nursing the patient with malignant melanoma: early intervention

This article summarizes the key facts about cutaneous melanoma, including its causative factors, incidence, classification, diagnosis and management guidelines. The role of the nurse is then discussed, in particular health education post-diagnosis, the specific information required to improve safety in the sun, the teaching of self-examination techniques, and the provision of psychological support throughout diagnosis and follow-up. Since most melanomas have an excellent prognosis, the majority of nursing care is at the educational and supportive level, however, melanoma can be an aggressive disease, and some aspects of nursing the patient with advanced disease are also considered.