Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sarah, Duchess of York has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma following the removal of a cancerous mole during treatment for breast cancer.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the body.
Any diagnosis of melanoma is cancer, even if the term “malignant” is not used before it.
The NHS states that the main cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light, which comes from the Sun and is used in sunbeds.
Other factors that increase the chances of getting melanoma include having pale skin; red or blonde hair; blue or green eyes; a large number of freckles or moles and a family history of skin cancer.
The risk of melanoma increases with age, but compared to most other cancer types, it is also quite common in younger people, say Cancer Research UK.
When to seek help?
A new mole or a change in an existing mole may be signs of melanoma.
Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body, but they are more common in areas that are often exposed to the Sun.
Some rarer types can affect the eyes, soles of the feet, palms of the hands or genitals.
NHS advice states that people should check their skin for any unusual changes.
What is the test for melanoma?
Following a GP referral, a dermatologist will check a patient’s skin and ask them about any changes they have noticed.
The dermatologist may also cut out the mole and a small area of surrounding skin so it can be sent to a lab and checked for cancer – this is known as an excision biopsy.
The NHS says it should take about two weeks to get the results of the test back.
What is the treatment?
Melanoma can often be treated, with several types of surgery used.
Surgery may include: removing the melanoma and an area of healthy skin around it – helping lower the chances of it coming back; removing swollen lymph glands if the cancer has spread to them; removing melanoma that has spread to other areas of the body.
Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used as treatments.
The specific treatment depends on the location of the cancer, if it has spread and the general health of the patient.