How Do You Know You Have Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is very rare but is the most serious of all skin cancers. It primarily occurs on the skin but it can also spread to other organs and even bone.

Risk factors

·     There is a higher risk of getting melanoma if you spend too much time in the sun. Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays may cause normal skin cells to become abnormal. When they become abnormal they become uncontrollable and may attack the healthy cells around them.   

·         If your complexion is fair (light-skinned)

·         If there is a history of melanoma in your family

·         If you have a large number of abnormal or irregular moles. The irregular moles may be rough or smooth and can be raised or flat and level with the skin.

Among the early signs of melanoma is the growth of a new mole or skin growth on the skin. The growth then changes color, size or shape. Changes may also occur to an existing mole or any other mark on the skin. You may sometimes think that it is a bruise that is refusing to heal. Melanoma diagnosis involves taking a piece of tissue from the growth and testing it for cancerous cells (biopsy). 

These symptoms of melanoma can occur on any part of the body. They are however more likely to occur on the upper back in both men and women. Women can also have them on the legs. Older men usually have them on the scalp, neck and ears but older people in general have them on the face. In rare occasions the growths or moles may appear in mucous membranes like the rectum, mouth and vagina. They also occur on nail beds, palms and the soles of feet.

Signs of melanoma

Among the first noticeable and significant signs of melanoma is the change that occurs to the moles or skin growths. There is a guideline to help you ‘study’ these changes accordingly. It is known as the ABCDE system.  

·         A stands for asymmetry. You will find that one half of the mole or growth is not exactly like the other half.

·         B refers to border irregularity. Its borders or edges are ragged, blurred or uneven.

·         C is for color. The color of the mole is also uneven.

·         D stands for diameter. The size of the growth is larger than a pencil eraser.

·         E is evolution. Changes in shape, size, color or itchiness and bleeding may occur to the growth.

Signs of melanoma that you should not ignore include swollen lymph nodes (armpit or groin) and a colorless lump under the skin. These indicate melanoma that has spread.  

Just like any cancer handling the early signs of melanoma will pose a higher chance of curing it. Some symptoms of melanoma may be similar to other skin conditions. Melanoma diagnosis is important to either rule it out or confirm it and begin treatment.