Bhargav

· 17 Nov 2021

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Skin mole cancer

Early identification of melanoma is critical; early detection significantly increases your chances of cure.

Look for anything new, changing, or odd on both sun-exposed and sun-protected portions of the body. Melanomas frequently form on women's legs, and the trunk is the most common location for them in men. Bear in mind, however, that melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, including places that are not exposed to the sun.

The majority of moles, dark spots, and skin growths are innocuous — but not always. Melanoma can be detected using the ABCDEs and the Ugly Duckling sign.

The first five letters of the alphabet serve as a guide for identifying melanoma's warning signals.

The letter A stands for Asymmetry The majority of melanomas are asymmetrical in shape. When a line is drawn through the centre of the lesion, the two parts do not match, giving the appearance of a round to oval and symmetrical common mole.

The letter B stands for border Melanoma borders are typically irregular, with scalloped or notched margins, whereas normal moles have smoother, more equal borders.

The letter C stands for colour Multiple hues are an indication of danger. While benign moles are often uniform in colour, melanoma can appear in various hues of brown, tan, or black. Colours such as red, white, or blue may also develop as it grows.

The letter D stands for Diameter or Dark While it is ideal to discover melanoma when it is small, a lesion the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm, or 14 inches in diameter) or more significant is a warning indication. According to some specialists, it is also critical to look for any lesion, regardless of size, that is darker than others. Amelanotic melanomas are uncommon and colourless.

E stands for Evolution Any change in the size, shape, colour, or elevation of a spot on your skin, as well as the appearance of new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting, may be a warning sign of melanoma.

Consult a dermatologist immediately if you see any of these warning signs on your skin, or anything NEW, CHANGING, or UNUSUAL.


Melanoma can be tricky

Detecting a possible skin cancer is complex, and not all melanomas adhere to the standards. Melanomas can take on a variety of shapes and may exhibit none of the typical warning symptoms.

It's also worth noting that approximately 20% to 30% of melanomas develop in pre-existing moles, whereas 70% to 80% develop on seemingly normal skin.

Amelanotic melanomas lack the dark pigment melanin, which is responsible for the colour of the majority of moles. Amelanotic melanomas might be pinkish, reddish, white, the colour of your skin, or even clear and colourless, which makes them difficult to detect.

Acral lentiginous melanoma, the most common type of melanoma among persons of colour, frequently manifests itself in difficult-to-spot locations, such as beneath the fingernails or toenails, on the palms of the hands, or the soles of the feet.

The takeaway: Be vigilant for any new mole or freckle that appears on your skin, any sore or area that persists, any existing mole that changes (grows, swells, itches), or any spot mole or lesion that appears strange.

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#cancer
#mole
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