Melanoma

Melanoma: The Most Serious Form of Skin Cancer

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. While less common than basal or squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is far more dangerous due to its ability to grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body.

When detected early, melanoma is highly treatable. That’s why understanding the warning signs and taking preventive action is so important.

What Causes Melanoma?

Most melanomas are caused by intense or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Unlike other skin cancers, melanoma can develop in places that don’t get much sun, such as the soles of the feet or under fingernails, and it may occur even in younger individuals.

In addition to UV damage, genetic factors play a role. A family history of melanoma or having certain genetic mutations can increase a person’s risk.

Warning Signs: The ABCDEs of Melanoma

One of the most important tools for spotting melanoma is the ABCDE rule, which helps identify warning signs in moles or pigmented lesions:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
• B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
• C – Color: The color is uneven and may include shades of black, brown, tan, red, white, or blue.
• D – Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller.
• E – Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or elevation—or is starting to itch or bleed.

Any new, changing, or unusual spot on the skin should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Types of Melanoma

There are several types of melanoma, including:

• Superficial Spreading Melanoma: The most common type, often appearing as a flat, irregular lesion with varying colors.
• Nodular Melanoma: More aggressive and often darker and raised.
• Lentigo Maligna Melanoma: Typically found in older adults, often on the face or sun-damaged areas.
• Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: A rarer form, often found on the palms, soles, or under nails—more common in people with darker skin tones.

Who Is at Risk?

Melanoma can affect anyone, but the risk is higher for people who:

• Have fair skin, freckles, and light-colored eyes
• Have a history of sunburns or intense UV exposure
• Use tanning beds
• Have a large number of moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles
• Have a family history of melanoma
• Have weakened immune systems
• Are older, although melanoma also occurs in young adults

How Is Melanoma Diagnosed?

If a suspicious lesion is found, your dermatologist will typically perform a skin biopsy, removing a small sample for examination under a microscope. If melanoma is confirmed, further testing may be done to determine the stage and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.

Treatment Options for Melanoma

Melanoma treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer:

• Surgical Excision: The most common treatment for early-stage melanoma, involving removal of the tumor with a margin of healthy skin.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: May be performed to check if the cancer has spread.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune response to fight advanced melanoma.
• Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs that target specific mutations in cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Occasionally used for certain locations or metastatic cases.
• Chemotherapy: Less commonly used now but still an option for some advanced cases.

Early-stage melanoma is often curable with surgery alone. More advanced cases may require a combination of treatments.

Can Melanoma Be Prevented?

Yes, many melanomas are preventable. Key strategies include:

• Avoiding intense sun exposure and using broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
• Wearing protective clothing and seeking shade
• Avoiding tanning beds completely
• Regularly examining your skin for new or changing moles
• Scheduling annual skin exams with a dermatologist, especially if you're at higher risk

When to See a Dermatologist

If you notice a mole or spot that’s new, changing, or looks different from the rest of your moles, don’t wait. Melanoma can spread quickly, and early detection is critical for successful treatment.