08/05/2026
Not all melanomas are dark.
While melanoma is commonly recognised as a darkly pigmented mole, a rare subtype called amelanotic melanoma contains little or no pigment. Instead, these lesions may appear pink, red, skin-coloured, or pale, making them much more difficult to recognise than typical melanomas.
Because of their unusual appearance, amelanotic melanomas are often mistaken for harmless skin lesions, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
If you notice a skin lesion that is new, changing, bleeding, not healing, or simply looks different from the surrounding skin, it is important to have it assessed by a healthcare professional.
Early detection remains one of the most important factors in achieving the best possible outcome for people with melanoma.