Melanomas may present in a number of different ways, however there are a few key features that could allow for earlier detection. Regular check-ups and examinations for skin cancer can help detect any unusual growths or changes of the skin or of existing moles. If you feel any suspicious developments on your skin, then it is wise that you should discuss it with your primary health care physician, dermatologist or health care professional. This way, diagnosing melanoma at an early stage can be easier and can help you to prevent any adverse effects.
Many people have moles and the majority of these are harmless. A harmless benign mole is generally coloured evenly and is brown usually less than 6 mm in diameter. They may be flat or a bit rasied and usually do not change after time.
What are the early signs of melanoma?
Usually the first sign of melanoma is a new spot on the skin, or a change in the size, shape or colour of an existing mole. There is a method known as the ABCDE method which helps you determine if an abnormal skin growth can be due to melanoma. Here are the details of the method through which you can understand the symptoms of melanoma by yourself:
- Asymmetry: See if the mole has an uneven shape.
- Border: Check if the edge of the mole is not smooth, or is irregular or notched.
- Colour: Examine if the mole has rough shading or dark spots.
- Diameter: See if the spot is large in the size of a pencil eraser.
- Elevation: Look if the spot has changed in size, shape or texture.
Most melanomas only present with change in skin appearance and do not have any other associated symptoms. However sometimes skin cancers including melanomas may have symptoms including:
- Moles which do not heal.
- Pigmentation, redness, skin swelling which spread on the outside of the border of mole.
- Tenderness, Itchiness, or pain
- Texture change, scales, oozing or slight bleeding from the mole
As skin cancer symptoms vary from person to person, you must know that not all melanomas develop through moles. If there are any new or unusual skin growths it is best to have it checked by a trained doctor.
Although several melanomas emerge in the areas which are exposed to the sun, they may also develop in the areas which are usually not exposed to the sun. Examining parts like your legs, arms, face and neck, areas between the toes, underneath fingernails and toenails, on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, are important to avoid the emergence of melanoma.
If you are looking for melanoma screening in Melbourne, Manningham Skin Care Clinic is the right place for you. We provide a head to toe skin examination and also get appropriate treatments from expert doctors. So connect with us and know more.