Melanoma Warning Signs: What to Look Out For

© Provided by Getty Images Melanoma

A type of skin cancer which develops from the cells (melanocytes) that control pigment of the skin.

The symptoms include:

• The earliest symptom is typically a change in an existing mole or a new mole arising
• The development of a new pigmented or unusuallooking growth on your skin

The below mentioned strategies helps discriminate the melanoma from other skin cancers. The ABCDE’s of melanoma helps identify the disease condition

• Asymmetry: The mole may not be uniform, one half looks different from the other half
• Border irregularity: The moles may be uneven or notched
• Color: The moles may be of different colors and irregular patterns
• Diameter: The mole may be bigger in size, at least a 6mm size
• Evolving: The mole may be changing colors, size and texture and might also bleed
• Evolving: The mole may be changing colours, size and texture and might also bleed

→ Common treatment options

→ How is this diagnosed?

• Melanoma is caused due to problem in the melanocytes, the pigment producing cells. The exact cause is unknown but environmental and genetic factors play a role.

- Risk factors include:

• Exposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation
• Gene mutation
• Fair skin
• Family history increases the risk
• Weakened immune system

→ Questions to ask your doctor

→ Interested to know more? Check out the full article here