Signs of Melanoma Skin Cancer

The National Library of Medicine, in its online publication "MedlinePlus," explains that melanoma is just one form of skin cancer that humans can develop, but it is the most deadly (see Resources). People who have experienced severe sunburns, have several birthmarks or moles, or are fair-skinned have a higher risk than other population groups for developing this serious form of cancer. Recognizing the symptoms of the four types of melanoma early on can help you get medical treatment that can save your life.

ABCs of Melanoma

• The nmeumonic device using the first four letters of the alphabet helps explain the basic symptoms of melanoma. A is for an asymmetrical shape of the lesion, B stands for borders that look jagged or irregular, C is for a variation of color throughout the lesion, and D represents the diameter of the abnormal spot. The diameter of melanoma spots tend to be bigger than 6 mm across.

Superficial Spreading Melanoma

• Signs of superficial spreading melanoma, the most common form of the disease, include having growths on your skin that are brown, black or a combination of these colors. This type of skin cancer lesion is usually not raised and does not hurt.

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

• Large patches of tan or brown on your skin could be signs of a form of melanoma called lentigo maligna. Older people tend to get this type of melanoma.

Nodular Melanoma

• Raised nodules on the skin can indicate nodular melanoma. These lesions vary in color from blue, dark red and black to being colorless.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

• Acral lentiginous melanoma is rare and is most prevalent among people of color. This form of skin cancer develops on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet and sometimes under fingernails and toenails.