Melanoma Symptoms
The malignant melanoma symptoms in an existing mole or lesion can be detected using a simple mnemonic device developed by the American Cancer Society – ABCDE:
- Asymmetrical – oddly shaped skin lesion
- Border – outside edge of the lesion is irregular
- Color – lesion has multiple colors
- Diameter – lesion is greater than 5mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolution/Elevation – lesion changes or is raised above skin
Other melanoma symptoms are changes in the surface, surrounding skin, sensation or consistency of an existing mole. Scaling, erosion, oozing, bleeding or crusting all indicate changes in the surface of a mole. Changes in the surrounding skin include redness, swelling or new patches of color around the original lesion, called satellite pigmentations. Another distinct melanoma symptom is unusual itching, tingling or burning on or around a skin lesion. Changes in the consistency of a mole can signal the development of malignant melanoma. If a lesion becomes abnormally soft or seems to crumble easily there is a good chance melanoma has begun to develop.
Early detection of melanoma symptoms is essential. One must monitor the nevi – clusters of pigmented skin cells such as moles and birthmarks, which are generally benign – on their body. People with lentigines or freckles are also more susceptible to developing skin cancer. Being aware of all nevi and discussing them with a doctor can help to head off melanoma metastasis: know what they look like; check for changes in color, shape, size and texture; note any itching or bleeding; and watch for the spread of pigment to surrounding areas of skin. Malignant melanoma symptoms are often times hidden and difficult to distinguish from normal, benign skin lesions. Any change in an existing mole or lesion is suspect, especially those changes that occur over a short period of time.
Melanoma skin cancer can also develop in areas of the body that do not already have existing moles or lesions. Although able to develop on any body part, malignant melanoma often forms on the upper back of men and women and on the legs of women. Less commonly, certain types of melanoma cancer can form on the palms, feet, nail beds and mucous membranes that line body cavities.
As the cancer metastasizes throughout the body, melanoma symptoms become more severe – intense pain is felt on and around the affected lesion and the skin may split and bleed. Yet some metastatic melanoma symptoms are vague and require the opinion of a medical professional as to their nature. The lymph nodes may swell, specifically in the armpit and groin regions. The skin may seem to thicken or a colorless lump may form under the skin. Some melanoma skin cancer patients experience an unexplained weight loss. Another late-stage melanoma symptom is melanosis or the graying of the skin.