Symptoms of melanoma
Melanoma can develop from an existing mole or other mark on the skin, but it often develops in unmarked skin. Although melanoma can grow anywhere on the body, it often occurs on the upper back or legs. Because most cells still create melanin, melanoma tumors are often brown, black or blue-black in color. But this is not always the case, and melanomas can also appear colorless.
Less often, melanoma grows on the soles of the hand, the palms, or the nail beds, or mucous membranes of body cavities. The face is the most common place for melanoma to grow for older people. And in particular, the most common sites for older men include the neck, scalp, and ears.
Early symptoms of melanoma
The most important warning sign for melanoma is any change in size, shape, color or feel of an exisiting mole or other skin growth (birthmark). These changes can occur over a period of weeks to a month. Melanoma also may appear as a new mole and is described as abnormal, or "ugly looking." Signs of melanoma in an existing mole include:
Later symptoms of melanoma
Later signs of melanoma include:
Symptoms of metastatic melanoma
Symptoms of metastatic melanoma, or melanoma that has entered the blood stream and spread to other organs may be vague and include:
Atypical melanoma symptoms
While uncommon, melanoma occasionally does not manifest brown or black pigmentation. Uncommon melanoma subtypes can appear as a pink or red nodule (lump) or look like a non-pigmented scar. Lesions can also appear as a cyst that may or may not be pigmented.
When to seek help
Call your health professional if you experience any of the following:
Watchful waiting or surveillance is not appropriate for melanoma. See your doctor if you notice any suspicious changes in a mole or other skin growth. Melanoma can be cured if it is diagnosed early, before it grows or spreads. To learn how doctors diagnose melanoma, and what to expect when you visit your doctor's office, read the next section on Diagnosing Malignant Melanoma now.