SKINIPEDIA - Skin Diseases & Conditions: Melanoma (Cancer)
Skin Diseases and Conditions: Melanoma (Skin Cancer)
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color or feel of a mole. Most melanomas have a black or black-blue area. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole. It may be black, abnormal or "ugly looking."
Thinking of "ABCD" can help you remember what to watch for:
- Asymmetry - the shape of one half does not match the other
- Border - the edges are ragged, blurred or irregular
- Color - the color in uneven and may include shades of black, brown and tan
- Diameter - there is a change in size, usually an increase
Melanoma can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated early. If melanoma is not removed in its early stages, cancer cells may grow downward from the skin surface and invade healthy tissue. If it spreads to other parts of the body it can be difficult to control.
Who gets melanoma?Anyone can get melanoma, but some people are more likely to get it. If you answer "yes" to any of the questions below, you may be more at risk. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors.
- Has anyone in your family had cancerous moles or a melanoma?
- Do you have many moles larger than a pencil eraser?
- Do you have more than 50 moles of any size?
- Did you ever get a bad sunburn that caused blisters when you were a child?
- Does your skin usually burn but not tan?
Where do melanomas occur?
Melanomas can be anywhere on your body. In men, they are most often on the chest, stomach or back. In women, they are most often on the lower legs.
What does a melanoma look like?
A melanoma might look like a mole or a bump or growth on your skin. Melanomas often do not look bad at first.
The ABCDE rule can help you remember what to look for when you're checking any moles on your skin:
A for asymmetry : A mole that, when divided in half, doesn't look the same on both sides
B for border : A mole with edges that are blurry or jagged
C for color : Changes in the color of a mole, including darkening, spread of color, loss of color, or the appearance of multiple colors such as blue, red, white, pink, purple or gray
D for diameter : A mole larger than 1/4 inch in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser)
E for elevation : A mole that is raised above the skin and has a rough surface
You should also watch for the following skin changes:
- A mole that bleeds
- A fast-growing mole
- A scaly or crusted growth on the skin
- A sore that won't heal
- A mole that itches
- A place on your skin that feels rough, like sandpaper
Also be aware that moles can grow in hidden areas of your body, such as between toes, on your scalp or under a nail. If you notice a mole that has changed, or if you have a new mole that doesn't look like your other moles, visit your doctor right away.
How can I keep from getting melanoma?
The most important way to prevent melanoma is to limit your sun exposure. The following are some ways to do this:- Avoid the strong midday sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- When you are outside, try to spend your time in shaded areas as much as possible.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat (to shade your face and shoulders and protect your ears).
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants while you are out in the sun.
- Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside. Put it on again every 2 to 3 hours, especially after sweating and swimming.
- Do not use sunbeds or tanning salons.
- Wear sunglasses that are rated to block at least 99% of UVA sunlight. Melanomas can also occur in the back of the eye.
- If you are worried about a spot on your skin, tell your doctor about it.
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Find out more at Minimal Residual Disease in Melanoma
