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If melanoma is detected early, it is highly treatable. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of early melanoma.
If you notice a new spot on your skin or a spot that is changing in size, color or shape, it could be a sign of skin cancer such as melanoma. If a spot looks different from all other spots on your skin, it could also be a sign of early-stage melanoma.
Take Charge of Your Health
Talk to your primary care provider if you have questions or concerns about your skin or you have noticed an abnormality. UW Medicine Primary Care can help you get started with screening. Learn about Fred Hutch's relationship with UW Medicine.
Don't Ignore a 'Weird' Mole
John Scheleen, a Fred Hutch employee, joined the organization's Office of Sponsored Research in 2006. Six years later he found a "weird" mole and decided to have it checked out.
In a podcast episode of Fred Bench to Bedside and Beyond, John talks about waiting for the biopsy results before his son's first birthday, and what it's like to live with melanoma.
Usually, melanomas develop in or around an existing mole. However, signs of early-stage melanoma will vary depending on the exact type. Here are the four main types and some specific symptoms of melanoma to look for:
- Superficial spreading melanoma: A flat or slightly raised, discolored patch with irregular borders and possible areas of tan, brown, black, red, blue or white
- Acral lentiginous melanoma: A black or brown discoloration, usually under the nails, on the palms or on the soles of the feet
- Lentigo maligna: A flat or slightly raised, mottled tan, brown or dark brown discoloration
- Nodular melanoma: A firm bump, often black but occasionally blue, gray, white, brown, tan, red or your usual skin tone .
Watch for Skin and Mole Changes
In addition to watching for skin changes like those described above, pay attention to how the spot feels. A spot that is itchy, painful or bleeding could be a sign of skin cancer such as early melanoma. Also notice whether a mole suddenly becomes bigger or continues to get bigger, or whether one that was flat or only slightly raised grows higher very quickly. If a mole’s color spreads from the edge into surrounding tissue, or if its surface changes from smooth to scaly, eroding or oozing, speak with your primary care provider right away.
Assessing Melanoma Symptoms
To assess your symptoms and diagnose you, a provider will begin by carefully examining your skin. They often use the "ABCDE" method to assess a growth. This stands for:
- Asymmetry (one half doesn't match the other)
- Borders that are irregular
- Color that is uneven or multiple shades
- Diameter larger than 6mm
- Evolving changes in size, shape, or color or new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
If a growth or spot looks concerning, your provider will usually perform a skin biopsy, which involves removing all or part of the suspicious area to be examined in a lab. The lab report will confirm whether or not the area is cancer and provide information that a provider can use to recommend melanoma treatment options.
It’s a common misconception that all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. Melanoma can develop on any part of the body, including areas that receive little to no sun. In fact, there is one type of melanoma called acral lentiginous melanoma that is found on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and under the nails. If you have any new or changing moles, a sore that won't heal or unusual skin growth, it’s important to have it examined by a provider, regardless of where it is located.
While most people focus on how a mole might look or change in appearance, it's also very important to pay attention to how a mole or skin growth feels. New or changing symptoms like tenderness, pain or itchiness are all potential warning signs of a skin disorder or cancer like melanoma. You should have any mole or skin lesion that feels different from your others, or any spot that is tender or itchy, examined by a provider, even if it looks normal to you.