Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is highly curable if detected early. When diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is approximately 99%.

Unfortunately, when melanoma is not caught early and has spread to other parts of the body, the survival rate falls to less than 20%. Therefore, recognizing the early signs and symptoms of melanoma is crucial to successful treatment and a positive prognosis.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs when pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes mutate and grow uncontrollably.

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the skin, including areas not exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands. However, it is most commonly found on the arms, legs, face, neck, and back.

Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma

The American Academy of Dermatology developed the ABCDEs of melanoma detection. These are:.

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot is unlike the other half.
B – Border: The edges are irregular, uneven, or poorly defined.
C – Color: The mole has varying shades of brown, black, or tan, or even white, red, or blue.
D – Diameter: The spot or mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
E – Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

It’s essential to bring any new or changing moles or spots to the attention of a dermatologist or health care provider as soon as possible. Other symptoms that may indicate the presence of melanoma include:.

A mole or spot that looks different from all the other moles or spots on the skin
A sore that does not heal
A mole or spot that is itchy, tender, or painful
A mole or spot that bleeds or oozes fluid

Detecting Melanoma Early

Early detection is the key to treating melanoma successfully. Regular skin self-examinations and professional skin checks are essential for identifying new or changing moles or spots.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that individuals check their skin from head-to-toe once a month. It’s important to look for any new or changing moles or spots and to note their size, shape, and color. Using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror can be helpful.

Checking the scalp, the bottom of the feet, and the areas between the toes is also important.

If a new or changing mole or spot is identified, it’s crucial to make an appointment with a dermatologist or health care provider as soon as possible.

In most cases, the dermatologist will perform a biopsy, which involves removing all or part of the mole or spot and sending it to a lab for testing. If the biopsy results indicate that the mole is cancerous, the dermatologist will recommend appropriate treatment options.

Treatment for Melanoma

The treatment options for melanoma depend on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the location of the cancer. In general, melanoma treatment involves removing the cancerous cells.

The following are the most common treatment options:.

Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment for melanoma. Depending on the size and location of the cancer, the surgeon may remove the cancerous mole or spot along with a border of normal skin. In some cases, lymph nodes may also be removed.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves using high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It’s typically used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. It involves using drugs that stimulate the body’s immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. It’s typically used in advanced cases of melanoma when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Preventing Melanoma

The best way to prevent melanoma is to protect your skin from UV radiation, which is the leading cause of skin cancer. The following are some ways to protect your skin:.

Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply the sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps, which emit UV radiation.
Avoid going outdoors during peak hours of UV radiation, typically between 10 am and 4 pm.

Conclusion

Melanoma is a highly curable cancer when detected and treated early. By knowing the signs and symptoms of melanoma and taking steps to protect your skin from UV radiation, you can reduce your risk of developing this deadly disease.

Remember to perform regular skin self-examinations and see a dermatologist or health care provider as soon as possible if you notice any new or changing moles or spots on your skin.