Melanoma is known to be the most serious type of skin cancer. It develops in the cells which are responsible for the production of melanin, also known as melanocytes. Melanin is the compound that gives color to the skin. Melanoma can also form in areas like the eyes, but rarely in internal organs such as the intestines. While the exact cause of this type of cancer is unknown, it has been found that exposure to UV radiation can worsen the risk of being affected by it. Understanding the symptoms of the condition can help individuals in the early diagnosis of cancer is crucial to treating it.

Melanomas usually occur on the parts of the body which are exposed to the sun continuously and repeatedly for long hours, such as arms, legs, back, and face. They are also capable of affecting parts of the body that don’t receive a significant amount of sunlight such as palms of hands, fingernail beds, and soles of the feet. The earliest signs of melanoma often include either a change in an existing mole or the development of an unusual-looking growth on the skin which is also pigmented. However, it should be noted that the condition doesn’t need to start within a mole. It can also occur on a normal patch of skin.

To detect the unusual moles which develop because of this condition, there is a simple system in place which helps individuals differentiate normal moles from abnormal moles by looking at several characteristics of it. This system is known as the ABCDE system and it indicates the following:

• A – Asymmetrical shape: Normal moles are usually symmetrical in shape. Asymmetrical moles or the ones that contain two asymmetrical halves could indicate an abnormal mole. Abnormal moles also occur in irregular shapes.
• B – Border irregularities: One of the most common characteristics of moles affected with melanoma is their irregular borders. Moles affected with melanoma can have scalloped or notched borders.
• C – Color changes in the mole: Moles caused by melanoma are often not limited to be in a single color. Any growth which shows a range of colors with uneven distributions of color could indicate a mole that is affected with melanoma.
• D – Diameter: The normal diameter of a mole is usually one-fourth an inch or about 6 mm which is also the size of a pencil eraser. Moles that are larger than this size could be affected by melanoma. It should be noted however that there is a possibility for moles smaller than this size to also be affected with melanoma.
• E – Evolving: Over time, the size, shape, and color of the mole would change. If an individual observes a mole that is growing in size and shape while also changing colors, the mole could be a symptom of melanoma.

Moles that are affected by this type of cancer would vary significantly with time. Hence, keeping a lookout for any abnormal growths can help in early diagnosis of the condition. Given how serious this melanoma, early diagnosis of its symptoms is crucial for its treatment and the prevention of its progress.