Melanoma

Symptoms

Most melanomas start with a change in the appearance of normal skin. The signs of melanoma are change in the shape, size, color, or feel of an existing mole. Newly formed fine scales and itching in a mole are the most common symptoms of melanoma. It have a black or blue-black area. Usually melanomas do not cause pain. Itching, crusting or bleeding may also occur in melanomas.

In advanced stage, the mole may become hard or lumpy. Changes in the skin, such as a change in a mole, should be reported to the health care provider right away. The person may be referred to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the skin. It is difficult to differentiate between a mole and a melanoma. The guideline 'ABCD' is helpful for identifying malignant melanoma.

• Asymmetry -Ordinary moles are usually symmetrical in shape. Melanomas are likely to be irregular or asymmetrical
• Border - Moles usually have a well-defined regular border. Melanomas are more likely to have an irregular border with jagged edges. The pigment may spread into the surrounding skin.
• Colour - Moles are usually a uniform brown. Melanomas tend to have more than one colour. They are often a mixture of black, red, pink, white or a bluish tint.
• Diameter - Moles are normally no bigger than the blunt end of a pencil (about 6mm across). Melanomas are usually more than 7mm in diameter

Melanoma 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 at its early stages, cancer cells may grow downward from the skin surface and invade healthy tissue. When a melanoma becomes thick and deep, the disease often spreads to other parts of the body and is difficult to control.