Essential Facts About Melanoma Skin Cancer You Should Know

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can affect individuals of all ages. It commonly develops on sun-exposed areas but can also appear in less exposed regions. Early detection is vital; recognizing warning signs promptly can significantly lower health risks and improve treatment outcomes. Various online resources feature images of melanoma to help identify initial symptoms and changes on the skin. Awareness and early diagnosis are key to managing this potentially deadly disease.

What causes melanoma?

Melanoma develops when genetic material within melanocytes—cells responsible for skin pigmentation—becomes damaged and mutates.

This mutation typically occurs when old skin cells die and are replaced. Uncontrolled growth of the new mutated cells results in a cancerous tumor.

The precise cause of these mutations remains unclear. However, excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from the sun is widely linked to melanoma development.

Genetic factors and mutations can also lead to melanoma in areas not directly exposed to sunlight or UV rays.

Risk factors for melanoma include:

These factors may increase the likelihood of developing melanoma:

History of severe sunburns: Repeated blistering skin burns have been associated with abnormal cell growth, elevating melanoma risk.

Skin tone: Light skin with less melanin tends to be more susceptible, whereas darker skin provides some protection.

High UV exposure locations: Living near the equator, at high elevations, or in sunny coastal areas increases UV exposure, raising risk.

Genetic predisposition: A family history of melanoma raises an individual's chance of developing the condition.

Understanding hidden melanomas

Some melanomas develop in less visible areas, making detection challenging. Examples include:

Involving mucous membranes: Rarely, melanoma may occur in the urinary tract or reproductive organs, such as the vagina, often mistaken for common ailments.

In the eye: Known as ocular melanoma, it affects the uvea layer beneath the sclera and can be detected through eye examinations, sometimes causing vision issues.

Under nails: Nail melanoma, or acral-lentiginous melanoma, appears beneath fingernails or toenails and may be mistaken for other nail conditions, especially in darker-skinned individuals.

Signs and symptoms of melanoma

Changes in skin appearance, such as new or altered moles, are common warning signals. The 'ABCDE' rule helps identify potential melanomas:

A – Asymmetry: one half of the mole differs from the other.

B – Border: irregular, notched, or blurred edges.

C – Color: uneven pigmentation or multiple colors.

D – Diameter: larger than 6mm, or about the size of a pencil eraser.

E – Evolving: changes in size, shape, color, or texture.

Additional concerns include:

Redness or swelling extending beyond the mole.

Surface changes like oozing, bleeding, or bumps.

Darkening or pigmentation spreading into surrounding skin.