Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. It can appear as a new spot or a change in an existing mole. Recognizing potential symptoms and understanding the stages of melanoma can help people seek medical evaluation.
Melanoma is less common than some other forms of skin cancer but can grow and spread to other parts of the body. It may develop on sun-exposed skin or areas that receive little sunlight. Although changes in moles are not always cancerous, unusual skin changes should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.
Melanoma can develop in different ways, and its appearance may vary between individuals. Some melanomas resemble ordinary moles, while others have noticeable differences in color, shape, or size. Healthcare professionals assess suspicious skin changes and use examination findings and diagnostic tests to determine whether melanoma is present.
Common warning signs can be remembered through the ABCDE guideline:
A for Asymmetry: One half of a mole looks different from the other half.
B for Border: The edges appear irregular, blurred, or uneven.
C for Color: The spot contains multiple colors or uneven shades.
D for Diameter: The spot is often larger than 6 millimeters, although melanomas can be smaller.
E for Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, color, elevation, or other characteristics over time.
Other possible symptoms include itching, bleeding, tenderness, or a sore that does not heal. Some melanomas may not follow these typical patterns.
Melanoma staging describes how far the cancer has developed and whether it has spread. Doctors consider factors such as tumor thickness, ulceration, lymph node involvement, and distant spread.
Stage 0: Abnormal melanoma cells remain in the outermost skin layer.
Stage I: The melanoma is relatively thin and has not spread to distant parts of the body.
Stage II: The melanoma is thicker or has other high-risk features but has not spread to regional lymph nodes or distant organs.
Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or certain surrounding tissues.
Stage IV: The melanoma has spread to distant organs, tissues, or distant lymph nodes.
Diagnosis generally begins with a skin examination. If a suspicious lesion is identified, a dermatologist may recommend a biopsy, in which a tissue sample is examined under a microscope. Additional tests, including lymph node evaluation or imaging, may be used when appropriate to establish the stage.
Treatment is selected according to the melanoma's stage, location, genetic characteristics, and the person's overall health.
Surgery: Surgical removal is the main treatment for many localized melanomas. Additional tissue may be removed around the original site to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Immunotherapy: Certain medicines help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. They may be used for some advanced melanomas and selected cases with a high risk of recurrence.
Targeted therapy: Medicines targeting specific genetic changes, such as certain BRAF mutations, may be suitable for eligible patients.
Radiation therapy: Radiation may be considered in selected circumstances, including certain cases involving the brain or other sites where symptom control is needed.
Clinical trials: Eligible patients may have access to investigational treatments being evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
Regular follow-up after treatment helps healthcare professionals monitor for recurrence and identify new skin changes. Sun protection, avoiding tanning beds, and performing routine skin checks can also support skin health. Anyone noticing a changing, bleeding, or unusual skin lesion should seek medical evaluation rather than attempting to diagnose it independently.
Melanoma treatment outcomes vary according to the stage and other individual factors. Information about symptoms, staging, diagnosis, and available therapies can help people understand the condition and discuss appropriate care with their healthcare team.