Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma
What are signs and symptoms of melanoma?
Often, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole. It can also appear as a new, abnormal, or "ugly-looking" mole.
Thinking of "ABCD" can help you remember what to watch for:
A Asymmetry - The shape of one half does not match the other.
B Border - The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
C Color - The color is uneven. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present . Areas of white, gray, red, or blue may be seen.
D Diameter - There is a change in size.
When melanoma develops in an existing mole, the texture of the mole can change. For example, it can become hard, lumpy, or scaly. Although a melanoma may feel different and may itch, ooze, or bleed, it usually does not cause pain.
How is melanoma detected early?
It is important that melanoma be detected as early as possible. The disease can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated when the tumor is thin and has not deeply invaded the skin. However, if a melanoma is not removed early, cancer cells can grow downward from the skin surface, invading healthy tissue. When a melanoma becomes thick and deep, the disease often spreads to other parts of the body and is difficult to control.
To help detect melanoma at an early stage, individuals can regularly check their own skin for new growths or other changes. Changes in the skin or a mole found during a self-exam should be reported to the doctor without delay. The person may be referred to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the skin.
People who have had melanoma have a high risk of developing a new melanoma. Also, those with relatives who have had this disease have a higher-than-average risk. It is especially important for these people to check their skin regularly and to have frequent medical exams.
Some people have certain abnormal-looking moles, called dysplastic nevi or atypical moles, that may be more likely than normal moles to develop into melanoma. Most people with dysplastic nevi have just a few of these abnormal moles; others have many. They should examine these moles regularly for changes and consult their doctor for examinations.
Dysplastic nevi often closely resemble melanoma. Doctors with special training in skin diseases are in the best position to decide whether an abnormal-looking mole should be closely watched or should be removed and checked for cancer.
In some families, many members have a large number of dysplastic nevi, and some have had melanoma. Members of these families have a very high risk for melanoma. It is important for them to have frequent checkups (every 3 to 6 months) so that any problems can be detected early. The doctor may take pictures of a person's skin to help in detecting any changes that occur.
Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma
