Melanoma Symptoms

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs when the pigment cells – melanocytes grow in an uncontrolled manner. It is one of the rarest but the most dangerous form of skin cancer, which can even cause death. One of the main factors causing melanoma is exposure to UV rays of sun.

Research shows that melanoma affects men more than women, which means that men are at a higher risk of developing this serious form of skin cancer as compared to women. Melanoma can be controlled and cured completely if it is detected early. While the symptoms for men and women do not differ, the existence of the following symptoms can confirm the existence of melanoma.

Mostly the first sign of melanoma is the change in shape and color of an existing mole or the growth of a very unusual mass of skin on the body. A mole can be considered as a melanoma if its color is black or blue-black. If your skin becomes scaly or you experience consistent itching in one part of your skin then it might be due to the growth of a melanoma mole.

Monitor that part of the skin and check whether there is any change in the color of the skin or the texture of the surrounding skin. If blood oozes out from the mole, it is best to consult your physician.

The American Academy of Dermatology has developed an A-B-C-D-E guide that lists the characteristics of unusual moles that may be melanomas. You can easily judge whether your mole is dangerous or not by following this guide as follows:

A represents asymmetrical shape. Check whether your moles are irregular in shape, i.e. each halve of the mole looks differently.

B represents irregular border. If the moles have irregular borders, chances are that they are melanomas.

C represents changes in color of the moles.

D represents diameter of the mole, which if more that ¼ inch can be dangerous.

E represents evolving nature of the mole; meaning that the mole evolves in a dangerous form while showing all the symptoms and signs discussed above.

You can try these tests and check for yourself whether you have melanoma or not. In case you get strange results, it is advisable to consult your physician as he can suggest the best course of action.