Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. While melanoma is one of the least common forms of skin cancer, it is also the most severe and accounts for the most fatalities. May is Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. It’s the perfect time to learn about melanoma and how to detect it.  

What is Melanoma? 

Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer. It develops in the cells responsible for melanin, which is what gives your skin color. Experts are still trying to understand the exact cause of melanoma, but exposure to ultraviolet, either from the sun or tanning beds, is one of the major contributing factors. Additional risk factors include having fair skin, a history of severe sunburn, having a lot of moles, a weakened immune system, or a family history of melanoma.  

Identifying Melanoma 

Most melanoma appears as a large or unusual mole on the surface of the skin. The mole may be new or changes to an existing mole. If you’re trying to identify if your mole may be melanoma, use the letters ABCDE to evaluate your mole. 

• A is for Asymmetrical- Melanoma moles tend to have an irregular shape with two very different halves. Non-melanoma moles tend to be symmetrical. 
• B is for Border- Does the border have smooth edges, or is it more irregular? Smooth edges are signs of a normal mole. The irregular border could be a sign of melanoma.  
• C is for Color- Look out for moles that begin changing color. It would be best if you also looked for moles with an uneven distribution of color. 
• D is for Diameter- Moles shouldn’t be larger than ¼ inch. If you have a large mole, especially one that’s grown, be sure to have it checked out. 
• E is for Evolving- Pay attention to any moles that seem to be evolving. They may change shape, color, or size. They may also itch or start to bleed.  

Each melanoma mole is different. Some show all the above signs, while others only have one or two. When in doubt, if you have a mole that has at least two unusual characteristics, talk to your doctor so they can determine if it’s cancerous or not.  

Identifying Hidden Melanoma 

Most melanoma spots develop on the skin’s surface. They’re usually in areas that get the most sun exposure, but melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin. When melanoma develops where people wouldn’t think to check, it’s referred to as hidden melanoma. Consider checking these spots for hidden melanoma: 

• Under fingernails and toenails- There is skin under your nails, and it is susceptible to melanoma. It’s a rare form of melanoma, but it can also develop on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. 
• In the mouth, urinary tract, or vagina- A mucous membrane lines the nose, mouth, urinary tract, and vagina. Melanoma can develop on the membrane. This type of melanoma is hard to detect, but bleeding from the infected area or an unusual growth could be a sign of cancer. 
• In the eye- Sometimes melanoma develops in the uvea, which is the layer beneath the white of the eye. This type of melanoma is called ocular melanoma and sometimes causes vision changes. 
• On the scalp- People may not think their scalp is at risk of developing melanoma because of hair, but the sun’s harmful rays can get through hair and cause cancer. To limit your chances of scalp melanoma, stay out of direct sunlight and wear hats.  

If you or a loved one has melanoma and undergoes treatment, the team at Visiting Angels Roswell, Georgia can help you transition back to your home life. Our team of caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, and personal grooming. We can also provide transportation to and from follow-up appointments and help with running errands. Our Roswell office serves those in Roswell, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, and the surrounding Georgia communities. If you’d like to learn more about our services, you can complete this online form or give our office a call at 770.573.7817.