Signs of melanoma cancer

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that arises when the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes mutate and become cancerous.
Recognizing the signs of melanoma cancer early is crucial for effective treatment and can significantly improve the prognosis.
The most common signs of melanoma include changes in an existing mole or the development of a new, unusual-looking growth on your skin.
The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide to identify potential melanomas: Asymmetry (one half of the mole doesn't match the other), Border (irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges), Color (varied from one area to another; shades of tan, brown, black, sometimes white, red, or blue), Diameter (melanomas are usually greater than 6mm, or about the size of a pencil eraser, when diagnosed, but they can be smaller), and Evolving (a mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color).
Other warning signs include a sore that doesn't heal, spread of pigment from the border of a spot into surrounding skin, redness or a new swelling beyond the border, change in sensation (itchiness, tenderness, or pain), or change in the surface of a mole (scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a lump or bump).
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.
Early detection and diagnosis are key to successful treatment.
Doctola offers a convenient and anonymous way to get a quick diagnosis by uploading a photo of your skin issue.
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