Melanoma - Symptoms of melanoma
- Introduction
- Symptoms of melanoma
- Causes of melanoma
- Diagnosing melanoma
- Treating melanoma
- Preventing melanoma
- Complications
- 'I never thought I’d be at risk'
- Accesstonewtreatment
The first sign of a melanoma is often a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing mole.
Normal moles are usually round or oval, with a smooth edge, and no bigger than 6mm (1/4 inch) in diameter.
See your GP as soon as possible if you notice changes in a mole, freckle or patch of skin, especially if the changes happen over a few weeks or months.
Signs to look out for include a mole that is:
- getting bigger
- changing shape
- changing colour
- bleeding or becoming crusty
- itchy or painful
A helpful way to tell the difference between a normal mole and a melanoma is the ABCDE checklist:
- Asymmetrical – melanomas have two very different halves and are an irregular shape.
- Border – melanomas have a notched or ragged border.
- Colours – melanomas will be a mix of two or more colours.
- Diameter – melanomas are larger than 6mm (1/4 inch) in diameter.
- Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma.
Melanomas can appear anywhere on your body, but they most commonly appear on the back, legs, arms and face. They may sometimes develop underneath a nail.
In rare cases, melanoma can develop in the eye. Noticing a dark spot or changes in vision can be signs, although it is more likely to be diagnosed during a routine eye examination.
Want to know more?
- Cancer Research UK: Melanoma symptoms.
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