What are four warning signs of melanoma?

What are four warning signs of melanoma?

The “ABCDE” rule is helpful in remembering the warning signs of melanoma:

• Asymmetry. The shape of one-half of the mole does not match the other.
• Border. The edges are ragged, notched, uneven, or blurred.
• Color. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present.
• Diameter.
• Evolving.

Is melanoma always dark?

Melanoma often contains shades of brown, black, or tan, but some can be red or pink, such as the one shown here.

Is melanoma always black?

Do melanomas itch?

Some melanomas itch. The “E” in the ABCDE rule of melanoma is for “Evolving,” which means that something about the mole changes. New itching or tenderness falls under “Evolving.” So does a change in the size, shape, color or elevation of the mole. A melanoma may also begin to bleed or crust over.

Can melanoma be flat?

The most common type of melanoma usually appears as a flat or barely raised lesion with irregular edges and different colours.

Can melanoma be a small black dot?

Melanomas can be tiny black dots that are no bigger than a pen tip. Any new or existing moles that stand out from the rest in color, shape, or size, should be looked at by a physician.

How to know if you have melanoma?

Melanoma 1 Normal moles. Normal moles are generally a uniform color — such as tan,… 2 Unusual moles that may indicate melanoma. A is for asymmetrical shape. 3 Hidden melanomas. Melanomas can also develop in areas of your body that have little… 4 When to see a doctor. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any skin changes…

What is melanoma with unknown primary?

Melanoma with unknown primary. A particularly scary form of the illness occurs when melanoma forms in rare melanocyte cells in internal organs without any symptoms appearing on the skin. It can also occur when a tumor initially appeared on the skin but was fought off by the immune system, regressed and metastasized to another site inside the body.

Can melanoma be mistaken for something else?

Hidden melanomas. Melanoma in the mouth, digestive tract, urinary tract or vagina. Mucosal melanoma develops in the mucous membrane that lines the nose, mouth, esophagus, anus, urinary tract and vagina. Mucosal melanomas are especially difficult to detect because they can easily be mistaken for other far more common conditions.

What is a hidden melanoma?

These are sometimes referred to as hidden melanomas because they occur in places most people wouldn’t think to check. When melanoma occurs in people with darker skin, it’s more likely to occur in a hidden area. Hidden melanomas include: Melanoma under a nail.