Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. Recognizing the signs of melanoma early is crucial because it can spread quickly and become life-threatening if not treated promptly. The signs of melanoma can be subtle and sometimes different from what people expect, so understanding the various warning signals is essential.
One of the most well-known ways to identify melanoma is by using the ABCDE rule, which helps spot suspicious moles or skin changes:
– **A for Asymmetry:** Unlike normal moles that are usually symmetrical, melanoma lesions often have an uneven shape. If you draw a line through the middle of the mole, the two halves won’t match.
– **B for Border:** Melanomas tend to have irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges, unlike benign moles that have smooth, even borders.
– **C for Color:** A mole that has multiple colors or uneven distribution of color is suspicious. Shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue can all appear in melanoma.
– **D for Diameter:** Melanomas are often larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), but they can be smaller when first detected.
– **E for Evolving:** Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation of a mole, or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting, should raise concern.
Beyond the ABCDEs, there are other important signs to watch for. Melanoma can sometimes appear as a new spot on the skin that looks different from your other moles or freckles. It may not always be dark; some melanomas are pink, red, or even skin-colored. Changes in skin texture are another clue—areas that become scaly, rough, thickened, or develop small raised bumps that don’t heal could be early melanoma signs. These changes might be mistaken for eczema or dry skin but won’t improve with regular moisturizers or treatments.
Itching, tenderness, or pain in or around a mole can also be a warning sign. While many moles are harmless and don’t cause any sensation, a mole that suddenly becomes itchy or painful should be evaluated. Sometimes, melanoma can cause the skin around a mole to become inflamed or swollen.
Another less obvious sign is the spreading of pigment from a mole into the surrounding skin, creating a blurry or smudged border. This pigment spread can look like a shadow or a stain around the mole and indicates that the melanoma cells are growing outward.
Melanoma can also develop under the nails, appearing as a dark streak or band that grows or changes over time. This is called subungual melanoma and is often overlooked because it can resemble a bruise or injury.
Rapid growth of a mole or spot is another red flag. If a mole suddenly enlarges or changes noticeably within weeks or months, it warrants prompt medical attention.
Sometimes melanoma presents as a sore that doesn’t heal or a spot that bleeds or oozes without an obvious cause. Persistent sores or ulcers on the skin that resist healing should be checked by a healthcare professional.
It’s important to note that melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, not just on sun-exposed areas. While it is more common on the back, legs, arms, and face, it can also appear on less visible places like the scalp, soles of the feet, or genital area.
People with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are at higher risk, but melanoma can affect anyone regardless of skin tone. Having many moles, unusual moles (called dysplastic nevi), a family history of melanoma, or a history of intense sun exposure or sunburns increases the risk.
Because melanoma can look very different from person to person and even from mole to mol
