Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer in humans. While the symptoms of melanoma are straightforward, diagnosis usually requires a biopsy. This cancer can strike anyone, and regular skin checks of all body surfaces, including the scalp, can minimize risk. If you find a suspicious lesion, have it examined by a dermatologist promptly. The National Institutes of Health recommends a monthly self-check and a yearly dermatologist examination for people at normal risk for skin cancer.
An Existing Mole that Changes
When examining yourself, you are watching for moles that have changed in any way. A mole with borders that are irregular or do not match the opposite side can indicate melanoma. Multiple colors in a mole can indicate a problem, including white, red, blue, brown, tan and black. Moles that change colors, grow or change shape warrant attention. A mole that is larger in diameter than a pencil eraser is more likely to become cancerous. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a mole that looks different from your other moles should be checked as well.
Other characteristics of a potentially cancerous mole include oozing, bleeding, itching or scaliness. The Mayo Clinic states that a mole that changes in texture should be examined. This could involve sudden softness, lumpiness or firmness. Another sign of malignant melanoma is when the color of a mole leaves its border and spreads into the skin.
A New Mole or Skin Lesion
The symptoms of malignant melanoma described above can also occur in a new mole or lesion. Watch for slow or fast-growing changes to the skin. Nodular melanoma can grow in a matter of weeks into a raised area that is blue-black, blue-red, another color or colorless.
A Lesion in an Unusual Area
Malignant melanoma can be found underneath the fingernails and toenails. It may look like a black or brown streak and you may think it is a bruise at first. Eventually, the nail will begin to separate from the nail bed and it may look damaged. Melanoma of the eye can cause a dark spot in your sight or feel as though your eye is scratchy when you open and close it. Occasionally, they can be seen as a dark spot on the eye. Melanoma in the mouth is usually a colored lesion that is eventually painful. The throat area can be stricken, with bleeding, painful swallowing, difficulty swallowing and symptoms of inflammation. According to Skin Cancer Net, melanoma in the nose can cause the nose to be stuffy and nosebleeds to occur. Melanoma in the anus can have symptoms of itching, bleeding, pain and the feeling a mass is inside the anus. Malignant melanoma inside the vagina can cause bleeding, pain, discharge and itching. It can be found in the urinary tract, with bloody urine, painful urination and frequent voiding .
