Melanoma Skin Cancer: 9 Early Signs and Symptoms

If you’re like most people, the word melanoma sends shivers down your spine. The good news is that, if melanoma skin cancer is detected early, it can be treated successfully. However, it can be tough to tell what’s just an unusual mole and what’s a sign of something much more serious.

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that stems from being over-exposed to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, tanning lamps, or tanning beds. When melanocytes, the cells that give the skin its tan color, start to grow out of control, melanoma cancer begins to form. While tanning may give us a beautiful and bronze glow, too much tanning can put you at a high risk of melanoma. In order to avoid this serious skin cancer, it’s important to know its signs and symptoms, including…

The Appearance of a New Mole

Melanoma moles often appear in areas of the body that are most often exposed to the sun. These areas can include your back, legs, arms, and face. While cancerous moles vary in appearance, it’s important to take time to evaluate a new mole just in case.

There are multiple ways to spot a warning sign of melanoma, like the shape of the mole…

Asymmetrical Shape

One of the best ways to identify a melanoma mole is by its shape. When doing a self-assessment, look for moles with irregular and asymmetrical shapes. The mole will have two opposite-looking halves, which is a tale-tale sign that this is a melanoma mole.

Another clear symptom of melanoma is the appearance of the mole’s border…

Irregular Border

More often than not, moles with unusual borders are clear signs of melanoma. These borders typically appear to be notched or scalloped, which are all characteristics of melanomas. If you notice that you have this symptom, contact your doctor.

The color of moles can also determine whether or not it’s melanoma as well…

Changes in Color

If you notice that a mole on your body begins to change color, or has an uneven distribution of color, this may be a sign of melanoma. Growths that have many colors often indicate skin cancer, so it’s crucial that you see your physician once spotted.

Melanoma can also be indicated by its size…

Diameter

The size of the mole is a clear way to tell if you might have melanoma. If a new growth in a mole is larger than 1/4 inch, it should not be ignored. Moles of this size often link to skin cancer, so it’s important that you seek treatment.

While some moles may seem insignificant at first, it’s important to monitor them as they may change over time…

Changes in the Mole

Notice a change in a mole on your boy? Moles that evolve over time may be a symptom of melanoma. Whether the mole grows in size or changes color or shape, it’s important to check in every so often.

Along with changes in appearance, moles may also begin to develop other symptoms alongside them, like itchiness or bleeding.

While melanoma can affect how moles grow on your skin, it can also affect how you feel…

Extreme Fatigue

As with any skin cancer, melanoma can cause you to feel fatigued for long periods of time. This is due to the fact that cancer cells use your body’s nutrients to grow and advance, so the nutrients aren’t there to replenish your body.

Especially because melanoma is one of the most serious skin cancers, this fatigue can be more extreme than usual.

Along with being tired, melanoma can affect your eyes and skin…

Jaundice

If you’re experiencing yellowing of the eyes or skin, you might have jaundice, which is a symptom of melanoma. This typically only occurs in advanced melanoma, meaning it’s crucial that you seek medical help if you’re experiencing this symptom.

Sometimes, melanoma can spread to the lungs…

Coughing

In advanced melanoma, it’s not uncommon for cancer to spread to the lungs. If this happens, a frequent cough will likely develop that might feel like it won’t go away. In this case, contact your doctor, as this is a sign of melanoma in its later stages.

Melanoma can also show up in your liver…

Indigestion

If melanoma shows up in your liver, it’s likely to cause indigestion. This is one of the main signs melanoma has spread, making it a symptom that should not be ignored. You may also notice abdominal pain or swelling along with indigestion if the melanoma has spread to your liver.