Signs of melanoma
Melanoma is a cancer that begins in melanocyte cells located in the inner layer of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin). The onset of melanoma is characterized by uncontrolled growth of melanocytes with the capture of surrounding tissues.
This disease is considered the most dangerous form of skin cancer, as it quickly spreads to other parts of the body, including internal organs. Therefore, everyone should be aware of the first signs of melanoma in order to be able to consult a doctor on time.
Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that are not exposed to the sun (for example, inside the mouth, under the nails, or on the palms of the hands). Men often develop dangerous growths on their backs, while women are more likely to have melanoma on their legs.
Signs of melanoma in the early stages
Moles are natural and, as a rule, completely ordinary elements of our skin. Many people have 10 to 40 moles all over their bodies by the time they reach adulthood, so it is necessary to be able to distinguish between the signs of melanoma and a normal mole.
Although melanoma can develop from a pre-existing mole, it usually appears in a clean place. Therefore, it is important to carry out regular checks. When examining the body, pay attention to the shape and texture of the mole or spot. Melanoma usually manifests itself as follows:
- It has fuzzy, uneven, and blurred borders.;
- it is asymmetrical and strange in appearance.;
- painted in several colors at once;
- it has dimensions larger than 6 mm.;
- a crust, ulcers, or bleeding forms on its surface.;
- it itches and has a very delicate surface;
- It gets bigger and swells;
- it is raised on all sides or only in the center.
Symptoms and signs of advanced skin melanoma
If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or internal organs, other signs of skin melanoma may appear, including:
- hard or swollen lymph nodes (lymph nodes are located all over the body, but their largest concentration is around the neck, armpits and groin areas);
- hard bumps under the skin;
- shortness of breath, chest pain, noisy breathing, or a cough that doesn't go away;
- pain in the liver area (on the right side of the abdomen);
- bone pain;
- A headache that doesn't go away;
- intestinal problems, constipation;
- chronic fatigue.
If you notice any symptoms of skin cancer, melanoma, contact your doctor immediately.
Other symptoms of melanoma
In other cases, when melanoma does not develop from a mole, it may appear in unusual places. The following rare forms of this disease occur.
Acral lentiginous melanoma often forms under the fingernails or toenails in the form of a narrow dark stripe. It usually develops on the thumb and is more common in people with dark skin. This melanoma can also sometimes appear on the palms or soles as a dark spot.
Ocular melanoma is a very rare form of cancer, which is a dark spot on the iris and changes in the shape of the pupil. Symptoms of this melanoma include poor or blurred vision and the appearance of flashing lights or floating specks. Other melanoma of the mucous membrane may appear as ulcers that do not heal.
