How To Spot Melanoma: Signs Of Melanoma
When the signs of melanoma are commonly known and concerning lesions are discovered at an earlier stage, cure rates are much higher. Often only local removal of the lesion itself is required.
Later diagnosis often necessitates additional treatment such as immunotherapy or chemotherapy. These carry a higher risk of side effects.
Educating patients regarding melanoma warning signs is vital to increasing early detection of this skin cancer. Melanoma is, however, often not easily detected especially not in the earliest and most treatable stages.
When looking for signs of melanoma, it is particularly vital to watch out for new skin lesions or changes in existing moles and marks.
That is why watching your skin for signs of melanoma should be done regularly, with emphasis on getting to know your skin, so that you are better equipped to notice changes at an early stage.
After going through the sections below on the signs of melanoma and how to spot melanoma, please read on to learn how you can get in the habit of looking for changes in your skin.
READ MORE ABOUT:
How Is Melanoma Diagnosed
If you have a mole or other spot that looks suspicious, your doctor may remove it and look at it under the microscope to see if it contains cancer cells. This is called a biopsy.
After your doctor receives the skin biopsy results showing evidence of melanoma cells, the next step is to determine if the melanoma has spread. This is called staging. Once diagnosed, melanoma will be categorized based on several factors, such as how deeply it has spread and its appearance under the microscope. Tumor thickness is the most important characteristic in predicting outcomes.
Melanomas are grouped into the following stages:
- Stage 0 : The melanoma is only in the top layer of skin .
- Stage I: Low-risk primary melanoma with no evidence of spread. This stage is generally curable with surgery.
- Stage II: Features are present that indicate higher risk of recurrence, but there is no evidence of spread.
- Stage III: The melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes or nearby skin.
- Stage IV: The melanoma has spread to more distant lymph nodes or skin or has spread to internal organs.
What Are Some Initial Stage Symptoms Of Melanoma:
Early Melanoma symptoms:symptoms of Melanoma The most vital warning symptom for melanoma is any kind of change in the size, or shape, the color of the existing mole, or other skin growth, such as on the birthmark. You need to keep a watch out for the changes, occurring over a period of days or weeks to a month.
Using the ABCDE rule for evaluating your skin for the changes and if you have any of the following changes, this guide will help you to decide if there is need to call health professional or you need to consult with your family doctor.
A stands for asymmetry: Moles one half of or changed in skin growth doesnt match to its other half.
B stands for borders irregularity: The edges of the mole are very ragged, irregular, notched, jagged or blurred.
C stands for color: there is pigmentation in the mole which is not uniform, that is there are different shades of tan, black and brown are present in the mole, and around there are dashes of blue, white, red is added to the mottled appearance. Change in color distribution, especially in the spreading of the color from the edge of the mole into its surrounding skin, is one of the early melanoma symptoms.
Surrounding skin changes: redness/ swelling/ development of small new patches of shades of the color around the larger lesion called satellite pigmentations.Sensations: itching/ burning/ tinglingConsistency and friability that is softening of that area and small pieces breaking off easilyBe lumpy or rounded
Seizures.
Also Check: What Is The Most Aggressive Skin Cancer
What Are The Symptoms Of Skin Cancer
Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesnt heal, a change in an old growth, or any of the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma.
A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This could be a new growth, a sore that doesnt heal, or a change in a mole.external icon Not all skin cancers look the same.
For melanoma specifically, a simple way to remember the warning signs is to remember the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma
- A stands for asymmetrical. Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?
- B stands for border. Is the border irregular or jagged?
- C is for color. Is the color uneven?
- D is for diameter. Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea?
- E is for evolving. Has the mole or spot changed during the past few weeks or months?
Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesnt heal, a change in an old growth, or any of the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma.
When Melanoma Can’t Be Cured
If your cancer has spread and it is not possible to cure it by surgery, your doctor may still recommend treatment. In this case, treatment may help to relieve symptoms, might make you feel better and may allow you to live longer.Whether or not you choose to have anti-cancer treatment, symptoms can still be controlled. For example, if you have pain, there are effective treatments for this. General practitioners, specialists and palliative care teams in hospitals all play important roles in helping people with cancer.
Recommended Reading: Does Amelanotic Melanoma Blanch When Pressed
Red Flag #: Headaches Or Visual Changes
Just like the liver, not everyone will notice symptoms of melanoma spreading to the brain. But when symptoms do show up, its usually in the form of headaches, problems with eyesight, paralysis on one side of the body, or seizures. If someone simply has a headache, that doesnt mean they have advanced stage melanoma, Dr. Yushak says. But if its a headache thats not going away after a week, and you never have headaches, then thats something that definitely needs to be checked out.
Can Melanoma Be Cured
Melanoma that’s caught early, when it’s still on the surface of the skin, can be cured.
Untreated melanoma can grow downward into the skin until it reaches the blood vessels and lymphatic system. This lets it travel to distant organs, like the lungs or the brain. That’s why early detection is so important.
Don’t Miss: Etiology Of Basal Cell Carcinoma
How Does Metastatic Melanoma Spread
Melanoma occurs when melanocyte cells found in the epidermis start growing excessively and take over surrounding tissues. These cells can develop from existing moles or skin growths. But, more commonly, they start as new growth. Once melanoma has begun growing in the skin, it can become and spread to new sites through the lymphatic system or blood vessels.
When it has spread beyond the skin, and into the lymph nodes or distant organs. Like the liver, lungs, brain, bone or soft tissues, it is considered metastatic melanoma.
Metastatic melanoma can be treated through surgeries to remove the tumors with:
- chemotherapy
Should I See My Doctor
Go and see your GP if:
- you have any of the ABCDE signs
- a mole is itching or painful
- a mole is bleeding or becoming crusty
- a mole looks inflamed
- you have an unusual mark or lump on your skin that lasts for a few weeks
- you have a dark area or line under a nail that is not due to an injury
The earlier a melanoma is picked up, the easier it is to treat and the more likely treatment is to be successful. So go to your GP as soon as possible.
Don’t Miss: Does Amelanotic Melanoma Blanch When Pressed
How Do People Find Signs Of Melanoma On Their Own Skin
Performing a skin self-exam as often as recommended by your dermatologist is the best way. While examining your skin, you want to look for the following:
-
Mole that is changing in any way
-
Spot that looks different from the rest of the spots on your skin
-
Growth or spot on your skin that itches, bleeds, or is painful
-
Band of color beneath or around a nail
-
Sore that doesnt heal or heals and returns
The ABCDEs of melanoma can help you find changes to a mole, freckle, or other spot on your skin.
Rare Symptoms Of Skin Cancer
Skin neoplasms can, on rare occasions, show non-subjective symptoms of cancer. Usually, thisis related to disease in other areas of the body apart from the skin, or to a rare type of cancer.
However, the presence of these manifestations, in association with those already mentioned, helps doctors diagnose this condition.
Read Also: Can Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastasis
Signs That Your Cancer Has Spread
Skin changes are the most obvious symptom of skin cancer. Other symptoms are subtler and easier to overlook.
Melanoma can spread to other parts of your body, including your bones, liver, and lungs. Your symptoms can give clues to where your cancer has spread.
Symptoms of skin cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes:
- hard bumps under the skin in your neck, armpit, or groin
- trouble swallowing
- swelling of your neck or face
Symptoms of skin cancer that has spread to the lungs:
- shortness of breath
When To See A Doctor
Many melanomas are dark brown or black and are often described as changing, different, unusual, or ugly looking. However, any skin abnormality that is growing or changing quickly and does not go away, whether colored or not, should be examined by a doctor. Bleeding may be a sign of more advanced melanoma. In addition, the appearance of a new and unusual mole is more likely to be melanoma.
If you are concerned about a new or existing mole, please talk with your family doctor or a dermatologist. Your doctor will ask how long and how often youve been experiencing the symptom, in addition to other questions. This is to help figure out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis.
The next section in this guide is Diagnosis. It explains what tests may be needed to learn more about the cause of the symptoms. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.
You May Like: Does Skin Cancer Make You Lose Hair
What To Do When Melanoma Signs Appear
When you notice those first signs, action should be taken to ensure you get the most effective treatment possible. Call your primary care office and let them know signs of melanoma appeared. Depending on their expert option, they may ask you to monitor its activity over the course of time or may make an immediate referral to a dermatologist. The earlier its attended to, the better chance you have at solving the issue effectively. They may opt to remove it just to be sure or may deem more tests or observation necessary to take harsh actions.
Complementary And Alternative Treatments
It’s common for people with cancer to seek out complementary or alternative treatments. When used alongside your conventional cancer treatment, some of these therapies can make you feel better and improve your quality of life. Others may not be so helpful and in some cases may be harmful. It is important to tell all your healthcare professionals about any complementary medicines you are taking. Never stop taking your conventional treatment without consulting your doctor first.All treatments can have side effects. These days, new treatments are available that can help to make many side effects much less severe than they were in the past.
Recommended Reading: Basal Skin Cancer Survival Rates
Where Else Does Melanoma Spread To
When melanoma advances to stage 3, it means the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes or the skin around the primary tumor and lymph nodes. In stage 4, the cancer has moved to other areas far beyond the lymph nodes, like your internal organs. The most common places melanoma spreads to are the:
- lungs
- brain
- stomach, or abdomen
These growths will cause different symptoms, depending on which areas it has spread to. For example, you may feel breathless or constantly cough if the cancer has spread to your lungs. Or you may have a long-term headache that wont go away if it has spread to your brain. Sometimes the symptoms for stage 4 melanoma may not appear for many years after the original tumor was removed.
Talk to your doctor if youre feeling new pains and aches or symptoms. Theyll be able to help diagnose the cause and recommend treatment options.
Where Skin Cancer Actually Develops:
Skin cancer usually develops in those areas which are exposed to the direct sun or due to exposure to radiation. Skin cancer develops at different parts of skin like at face, lips, neck, at hands, at ears, at chest, or may be at the legs on the women.
Skin cancers affects the skin tones of the skin, this may darken our skin.
Read Also: Does Skin Cancer Itch And Burn
What Are The Melanoma Warning Signs
Does your mom or dad have cancer? What about paternal or maternal aunts, uncles, grandparents or your siblings? You shouldnt worry so much about distant cousins or nieces and nephews, but a genetic component should alert you that monitoring your skin for indications of melanoma is important. Early symptoms arent so painful. An uneven and asymmetric freckle or mole on the chest or on the arm may be easy to notice.
- Spitzoid Melanoma in Children and Adults: Prognosis, Symptoms
- What is Melanoma Skin Cancer: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Stages, Treatments
Those on the face may need a mirror. When they are on your scalp or on the back, its harder to tell. Try to check occasionally. If something shows growth, talk to a physician or dermatologist about it. Not just Caucasians are impacted by this cancer. If you are of darker complexions, you can still contract the illness, you just have statistics in your favor. Those who identify as black may be more likely to see vertical lines on the nails. Detecting these early signs can lead to an early diagnosis which creates a more optimistic prognosis and allows for simpler, less intense treatments.
How Is Melanoma Treated
Your melanoma treatment will depend on the stage of the melanoma and your general health.
Surgery is usually the main treatment for melanoma. The procedure involves cutting out the cancer and some of the normal skin surrounding it. The amount of healthy skin removed will depend on the size and location of the skin cancer. Typically, surgical excision of melanoma can be performed under local anesthesia in the dermatologist’s office. More advanced cases may require other types of treatment in addition to or instead of surgery.
Treatments for melanoma:
- Melanoma Surgery: In the early stages, surgery has a high probability of being able to cure your melanoma. Usually performed in an office, a dermatologist numbs the skin with a local anesthetic and removes the melanoma and margins .
- Lymphadenectomy: In cases where melanoma has spread, removal of the lymph nodes near the primary diagnosis site may be required. This can prevent the spread to other areas of your body.
- Metastasectomy: Metastasectomy is used to remove small melanoma bits from organs.
- Targeted cancer therapy: In this treatment option, drugs are used to attack specific cancer cells. This targeted approach goes after cancer cells, leaving healthy cells untouched.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy includes treatments with high-energy rays to attack cancer cells and shrink tumors.
- Immunotherapy: immunotherapy stimulates your own immune system to help fight the cancer.
Recommended Reading: Does Insurance Cover Skin Cancer Screening
Southern Cross Medical Library
The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. This information is not intended to relate specifically to insurance or healthcare services provided by Southern Cross. For more articles go to the Medical Library index page.
Signs And Symptoms Of Melanoma: What You Should Look For
Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of melanoma you should be aware of.
By Dr Nitin Shori Reviewed by Andrew Hart Weinstein, MD, MPH, FAAD
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that, if caught early, is often treatable. However, those who are diagnosed with later stage disease have lower survival rates.
Increasing knowledge among at-risk populations about melanoma symptoms and its signs is vital to catching this type of skin cancer early and improving survival rates.
Read Also: Stage 3 Basal Cell Carcinoma Survival Rate
Why Are These Changes Affected Uv Radiation
Among other tasks, the ozone layer is tasked with reducing the amount of UV radiation is passed through our atmosphere when sunlight is beamed to the earths surface. Stratospheric ozone absorbs a lot of it, especially those of especially shorter wavelengths . When its less concentrated, as is whats happening right now, it is hindered in job capabilities.
- What is Parastomal Hernia: Symptoms, Repair…
A parastomal hernia is best explained by initially understanding…
- Reducible and non-reducible hernia
The medical explanation of a hernia is the escape…
- Remove Skin Tags during pregnancy: genital,…
Pregnancy, a period of great joy, the nine months…
- Do Skin Tags, Moles, Genital and…
Itching or, to award it the correct medicinal name,…
- Doterra and Oregano Oils to remove…
Doterra, a memorable and unusual name, derived from the…
- Over the Counter Wart, Skin Tag…
Warts, always have a bit of a bad press…
- Rectal Skin Tags & Warts removing:…
Rectal skin tags, also termed, anal skin tags or…