Learn About the Early Signs of Melanoma

Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in Australia–having the highest rates worldwide, but what is Melanoma? Can I prevent it? Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Although it can be dangerous, early detection is key for a successful treatment outcome.

If you suspect you have Melanoma or have been diagnosed with it–you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need for this skin cancer, including prevention, symptoms, and more, to help you understand the key aspects of this pathology.

What is Melanoma?

First things first, we need to understand the basics of Melanoma.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes– yes, the pigment cells responsible for producing melanin–which gives colour to the skin, hair, and eyes. When these cells undergo malignant mutation, they can transform into Melanoma.

Accounting for only 1% of skin cancers, skin melanoma is considered highly dangerous. It can be aggressive, growing rapidly and spreading to lymph nodes and internal organs. Melanomas can appear as irregularly shaped or coloured patches or bumps.

What Does A Melanoma Look Like? – Early Melanoma Symptoms

Melanoma can arise from a new or changing mole, freckle, or age spot. The following parameters and questions can provide a sign of early cancerous moles:

Asymmetry: Is one half of the spot uneven from the other half?
Border: Are the edges of the mole irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred?
Colour: Is the colour uneven? Or different? Melanomas come in different shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.
Diameter: What’s the size of the mole? Is it larger than 6mm, like about the size of a pencil eraser? (Keep in mind that they can be smaller, too.)
Evolving: Is the mole changing in size, shape, or colour over time?

Other characteristics of Melanoma include:

It may appear as a dark-brown or black vertical line beneath a fingernail or toenail.
A lump that bleeds unexpectedly
It can present as a firm, with raised growth that may look sore and bleed.
A persistent skin sore that refuses to heal
In people with darker skin tones, Melanoma often develops on the palms, soles of feet, or under nails.
It can sometimes resemble a bruise that doesn’t heal, especially on the foot.

If you observe any of the following aspects, seek consultation immediately.

Places where Melanoma can appear

Melanoma can develop in both sun-exposed and non-sun-exposed areas of the body. Some common locations where Melanoma arises include:

Face: About 30% of melanomas are found in the head and neck region.
Back: Common site for men
Legs: Common site for women
Torso area: Especially common in men
Arms

Hidden or less obvious locations include:

Scalp

Under fingernails

Under toenails

Palms of hands

Soles of feet

Genital area

Eyes

Between toes

Under a nail

Inside the mouth or nose

Digestive tract

Urinary tract

Risk Factors

Many factors can contribute to susceptibility to this type of skin cancer, and recognising them can aid in adopting proactive measures.

Family History: A genetic predisposition to melanoma.
Personal History: A history of prior skin cancer diagnoses.
Light Hair and Eye Color: Greater susceptibility to UV damage.
Multiple Moles: Increased risk, especially if atypical.
Immunosuppression: Weakened immune system, increasing vulnerability.

Melanoma Skin Check & Diagnosis

Diagnosing Melanoma involves a meticulous and comprehensive approach. A skin specialist will first perform a visual Melanoma skin check and then take a sample through a biopsy.

The presence of ulceration is a significant predictor of outcomes, guiding medical professionals in determining the severity of the condition. In cases where distant spread is suspected, more tests will be performed, including CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. The blood test LDH is also a valuable tool in assessing metastatic disease.

Stages of Melanoma Skin Cancer

Stage	Description	Type
Stage 0 (In Situ)	The melanoma is confined to the top outer layer of the skin (epidermis).	Very early or localised melanoma
Stage 1	The melanoma has not moved beyond the primary site and is less than 1 mm thick with or without ulceration or 1–2 mm thick without ulceration.	Early or localised melanoma
Stage 2	The melanoma has not moved beyond the primary site and is 1–2 mm thick with ulceration or more than 4 mm thick with or without ulceration.	Early or localised melanoma
Stage 3	The melanoma has spread to lymph nodes near the primary site, to nearby skin or to tissues under the skin (subcutaneous).	Regional melanoma
Stage 4	The melanoma has spread to distant skin or subcutaneous tissues and/or other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, brain, bone, or distant lymph nodes.	Advanced or metastatic melanoma

Melanoma Types

Superficial Spreading Melanoma is the most common type in people under 40. It involves 55-60% of melanomas and often starts as a new spot or changes in an existing freckle or mole. It becomes more dangerous when invading the dermis.
Nodular Melanoma is usually found in people over 65, accounting for 10-15% of melanomas. It appears as a raised lump on the skin, often with a crusty surface. It is fast-growing and aggressive, spreading quickly into the dermis.
Lentigo Maligna Melanoma is predominant in people over 40, accounting for 10-15% of melanomas. It begins as a large coloured spot and may grow slowly over many years before penetrating deeper into the skin.
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma is a rare type affecting common people over 40, with just around 1-2% of melanomas. It appears as a colourless or lightly pigmented area, often found on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands.
Desmoplastic Melanoma accounts for around 1-2% of melanomas and affects people over 60. It starts as a firm, growing lump with a colour akin to the skin. Often mistaken for a scar, it is typically found on sun-damaged skin on the head or neck and exhibits slower spread than other melanoma types.

I’ve been diagnosed with Melanoma, What’s Next?

Melanoma Treatment

There are a variety of treatment options available for Melanoma. Treatment choice depends on factors such as the disease’s stage, specific genetic mutations, and the patient’s health.

In early-stage Melanoma, surgery is the most common treatment. The extent of surgery depends on the cancer stage; some treatments include:

Excision:

In the early stages, the surgeon removes the Melanoma along with a margin of healthy tissue. This is often curative for localised melanomas.

Lymph Node Dissection:

If Melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes, surgical removal of those nodes may be necessary. This helps prevent further spread within the lymphatic system.

Skin Grafts:

In cases where a significant amount of skin is removed, especially in advanced stages, skin grafts may aid healing.

Other treatments include Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy. For more advanced stages of Melanoma where the cancer has spread, it may be necessary to use complementary therapies such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

In cases of late-stage Melanoma where curative treatment options are limited, palliative care becomes essential. The focus shifts to improving the patient’s quality of life, managing symptoms, and providing emotional support.

A collaborative approach will involve oncologists, surgeons, and other skin specialists to ensure a comprehensive and tailored strategy for each patient’s unique cases.

Survival

From 2015 to 2019, individuals diagnosed with Melanoma had a 94% chance of surviving for five years. Between 1990–1994 and 2015–2019, five-year relative survival increased from 90% to 94%. These statistics underscore the advancements in diagnosis and treatment, offering a positive outlook for melanoma patients. (Melanoma of the skin statistics | Cancer Australia. (2023). Canceraustralia.gov.au.)

Prevention is key.

Given Australia and New Zealand’s high incidence rates of Melanoma, prevention and early detection are crucial.

Regular checks and mole mapping are essential, and here are some tips for early detection:

Monitor changes in moles and spots
Use sunscreen regularly
Seek shade during peak sun hours
Wear protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses

Need Melanoma Specialists? We’re here to help.

If you have concerns and need personalised advice on Melanoma in Australia, book a consultation with the specialised team of skin specialists at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic. We offer exceptional skin cancer services.

Early detection and prompt intervention can significantly affect your treatment outcomes.

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