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Melanoma Symptoms and Signs

While most melanomas are asymptomatic, there are a series of signs one can watch for, which may indicate potential melanoma or potential for future melanoma development.

High-risk for Melanoma Development

The following are indications (signs) of potential melanoma condition (please note that none of these sign necessarily implies melanoma and any of these signs may still be associated with non-cancerous skin conditions – however these signs indicate a melanoma risk):

  • Changes in existing moles and/or freckles (especially rapid changes) involving and resulting in one or more of the following:
    • variation in shape resulting in asymmetry
    • border irregularity and obscure demarcation;
    • variation in color (e.g., a mole with 3 or more colors)
    • increased size (over 6 mm)
    • evolving (changing) features
  • Appearance of rapidly evolving (growing) skin lesion, nodule and/or mole of various sizes, forms and colors; of higher concern should be:
    • sizes of 6 mm to several centimeters in diameter
    • asymmetric forms
    • various colors within one single feature (e.g., mole): including shades such as tan, dark brown, and black to blue, red and, light grey or un-colored (please note that un-colored or un-pigmented mole called amelanotic can also appear)
    • a new nodule which is growing and pigmented or vascular in appearance
  • Itchy or tender skin lesions
  • Skin lesions that may bleed and crust over
  • A spot or sore that fails to cure within 3 weeks
  • New pigmented line in a nail
  • Something growing under a nail (especially pigment or vascular tissue)

If you experienced any of the above-mentioned signs/symptoms, it is highly recommended that you consult a dermatologist. As with any cancerous conditions, early detection is essential for successful melanoma treatment.

Low-Risk for Melanoma Development

While above we described signs and symptoms that usually indicate high melanoma risk, below are some reassuring signs, indicating a low melanoma risk and usually not requiring medical analysis (however, please always keep in mind that a low risk does not equal no risk and the only way to be certain is through medical control and analysis):

  • Slow, if at all, changes of any kind (e.g., in shape, color, form) in existing moles, nodules or skin lesions
  • Symmetrical shape and one color or no color
  • “Stuck on” appearance such as in the case of seborrhoeic warts