Melanoma Warning Signs and Images

Finding melanoma at an early stage is crucial; early detection can vastly increase your chances for cure.

Look for anything new, changing or unusual on both sun-exposed and sun-protected areas of the body. Melanomas commonly appear on the legs of women. The number one place they develop on men is the trunk. Keep in mind, though, that melanomas can arise anywhere on the skin, even in areas where the sun doesn’t shine.

Most moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are harmless – but not always. The ABCDEs and the Ugly Duckling sign can help you detect melanoma.

Early detection makes a difference

99%
5-year survival rate for patients in the U.S. whose melanoma is detected early. The survival rate drops to 68% if the disease reaches the lymph nodes and
30% if it spreads to distant organs.

The ABCDEs of melanoma

The first five letters of the alphabet are a guide to help you recognize the warning signs of melanoma.

A is for Asymmetry. Most melanomas are asymmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves don’t match, so it looks different from a round to oval and symmetrical common mole.

B is for Border. Melanoma borders tend to be uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges. Common moles tend to have smoother, more even borders.

C is for Color. Multiple colors are a warning sign. While benign moles are usually a single shade of brown, a melanoma may have different shades of brown, tan or black. As it grows, the colors red, white or blue may also appear.

D is for Diameter or Dark. While it’s ideal to detect a melanoma when it is small, it’s a warning sign if a lesion is the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm, or ¼ inch in diameter) or larger. Some experts say it is important to look for any lesion, no matter what size, that is darker than others. Rare, amelanotic melanomas are colorless.

E is for Evolving. Any change in size, shape, color or elevation of a spot on your skin, or any new symptom in it, such as bleeding, itching or crusting, may be a warning sign of melanoma.

If you notice these warning signs and symptoms, or see anything NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL on your skin see a dermatologist promptly.

A is for Asymmetry

B is for Border

C is for Color

D is for Diameter or Dark

E is for Evolving (Before)

E is for Evolving (After)

Please note: Since not all melanomas have the same appearance, these photos serve as a general reference for what melanoma can look like. If you see anything NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL on your skin, go get checked by a dermatologist.

Look out for an ugly duckling

The Ugly Duckling is another warning sign of melanoma. This recognition strategy is based on the concept that most normal moles on your body resemble one another, while melanomas stand out like ugly ducklings in comparison. This highlights the importance of not just checking for irregularities, but also comparing any suspicious spot to surrounding moles to determine whether it looks different from its neighbors. These ugly duckling lesions can be larger, smaller, lighter or darker, compared to surrounding moles. Also, isolated lesions without surrounding moles for comparison are considered ugly ducklings.

Melanoma can be tricky

Identifying a potential skin cancer is not easy, and not all melanomas follow the rules. Melanomas come in many forms and may display none of the typical warning signs.

It’s also important to note that about 20 to 30 percent of melanomas develop in existing moles, while 70 to 80 percent arise on seemingly normal skin.

Amelanotic melanomas are missing the dark pigment melanin that gives most moles their color. Amelanotic melanomas may be pinkish, reddish, white, the color of your skin or even clear and colorless, making them difficult to recognize.

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), the most common form of melanoma found in people of color, often appears in hard-to-spot places, including under the fingernails or toenails, on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. View images.

The takeaway: Be watchful for any new mole or freckle that arises on your skin, a sore or spot that does not heal, any existing mole that starts changing (growing, swelling, itching) or any spot, mole or lesion that looks unusual.

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is the most common melanoma found in people of color.

What you can do

Check yourself: No matter your risk, examine your skin head-to-toe once a month to identify potential skin cancers early. Take note of existing moles or lesions that grow or change. Learn how to check your skin here.

When in doubt, check it out. Because melanoma can be so dangerous once it advances, follow your instincts. Visit your doctor if you see a spot that just doesn’t seem right.

Keep in mind that while important, monthly self-exams are not enough. See your dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.

If you’ve had a melanoma, follow up regularly with your doctor once treatment is complete. Stick to the schedule your doctor recommends. This ensures that you identify any recurrence as early as possible.

Reviewed by:
Allan C. Halpern, MD
Ashfaq A. Marghoob, MD
Ofer Reiter, MD

Last updated: January 2021

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Skin Cancer Pictures – The Skin Cancer Foundation

Skin cancer can happen to anyone, at any age, on any part of the body. And because skin cancers appear in many shapes and sizes, they can be challenging to identify. While skin cancer pictures can be helpful in learning what skin cancer can look like, getting to know your own skin and understanding what to look for can help you detect cancer early when it’s easiest to cure.

That’s why you should examine your skin once a month. If you see something NEW, CHANGING OR UNUSUAL – even if it looks nothing like what you see in photos – do not wait! Get it checked by a dermatologist right away. Finding and treating skin cancer early can save your life.

Skin Cancer Image Gallery

What does cancer look like on skin? Below is a selection of photos that give you a general idea about what skin cancers can look like. Remember that skin cancers can look quite different from one person to another due to skin tone, size and type of skin cancer and location on the body. Skin cancer can be tricky in other ways, too. For example, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is often pigmented tan, brown, black, even blue. But amelanotic melanoma lacks pigment and appears as a skin-tone or pink lesion.

To sum it up, while photos can be helpful, getting your skin examined by a dermatologist is the most vital step in identifying and treating skin cancer.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma Photos
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma Photos
• Melanoma Photos
• Merkel Cell Carcinoma Photos
• Actinic Keratosis
• Rare Skin Cancers

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Photos

For information on basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our BCC Warning Signs page.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Images

For information on squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our SCC Warning Signs page.

Melanoma Photos

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) Pictures

For information on Merkel cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our MCC Warning Signs page.

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis (also known as solar keratosis) is the most common precancer. For more photos and information on actinic keratosis warning signs and symptoms, visit our Actinic Keratosis Warning Signs page.

Rare Skin Cancers

Please visit our Rare skin cancers page for more information and pictures of rare skin cancers such as:

• Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
• Kaposi’s sarcoma
• Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC)
• Sebaceous carcinoma
• Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
• Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD)

For links to more comprehensive skin cancer information, visit our Skin Cancer 101 page.

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How to recognize dangerous moles in time

What skin neoplasms in most cases turn into a malignant tumor, why this happens and how to save your life.

Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer. Under different guises, she is born from a nevus (mole, birthmark). In the process of development, the tumor rapidly grows through the skin, then, by lymph and blood, it is transferred to other organs. There, new foci appear. The result is death. None of the patients with late-detected melanoma passed the five-year survival limit. Elena Ivannikova, head physician of the Nadzha clinic, tells how to use the life-giving sun rays correctly.

– Elena Nikolaevna, everyone knows that the sun is the basis of life, it gives us strength. Warm days have come and the northerners, hungry for the revitalizing rays of the sun, are taking sun baths. Tell me, maybe the talk about the insecurity of spending time on the beach is greatly exaggerated?

– Of course, in moderate doses, sunlight gives us not only joy and good mood, but also health. It is also a good preventive and therapeutic agent for rickets, stimulates the production of vitamin D, strengthens the immune system, and is beneficial in some chronic skin diseases. Ultraviolet for 10-15 minutes a day is useful.

However, the danger to health lies in excessive solar radiation. And thermal burns, heat strokes, high blood pressure and photoaging are not the biggest problem.

According to the Moscow Scientific Research Institute of Oncology. P. A. Herzen, in the 21st century, the incidence of melanoma in Russia has increased and continues to grow. The incidence of melanoma ranks third among all cancer incidence in Russia. On the first and second lines are lung cancer and breast cancer in women. Meanwhile, this type of skin cancer is often the reverse side of a beautiful tan.

— Now many people know that skin cancer can grow from a particular mole. How to distinguish such a dangerous mole?

There are no people without moles. If a mole suddenly changes shape, becomes asymmetrical, has jagged edges, is mottled, or turns black, show it to your doctor. If she began to hurt, itch or bleed – this is also a cause for concern. During life, nevi change during life. If a nevus appeared in childhood and at the age of 30-40 it has not changed, you should show it to the doctor.

A harmless spot is distinguished from melanoma by five signs that are encrypted in the word “ACORD”:

• A is asymmetry. With an imaginary axis, a safe mole will be divided into two identical parts.
• K – edge, normally smooth and even.
• Oh, coloring. There shouldn’t be any bitterness.
• R is the size. If the mole is larger than 5 mm, observe carefully. The danger increases if it is located on an open area of ​​the body.
• D – dynamics. If there are wounds, an increase in size and other changes, consult a doctor.

The presence of hair in a mole rather speaks of good quality, but if their loss is suddenly noted, it is worth hurrying to a dermatologist – an oncologist.

In men, “bad” nevi are more often localized on the back. The women are on their feet. Moles located on the palms, feet and in places of friction with shoes and clothes are dangerous.

— What is the most common cause of a mole turning into cancer? And who is more at risk of getting sick?

– A pigmented formation can become cancer after an injury or a sunburn of radiation. The presence of such a terrible diagnosis in relatives increases the risk.

Moles turn into a tumor, under the influence of ultraviolet light, in those who have:

• light skin (weak adaptation)
• bright eyes
• blonde and red hair
• many moles (over 50) and freckles
• elderly age.

The risk of getting melanoma in adulthood increases in those who burned under the sun in childhood or more than three times during their lives.

— How to stop melanoma?

“Everyone should be oncologically vigilant about themselves.

Protect exposed skin from the sun. Once every 3-6 months, examine the moles with the help of mirrors and a camera, remember their appearance. If suspicious moles are found, immediately contact a dermatologist to examine the formation using dermatoscopy.

A dermatoscope is an optical device that magnifies the image tenfold. The doctor examines the mole with the help of this optics and assesses the degree of danger. And in its conclusion gives recommendations for treatment or removal. The study is non-traumatic. Safely. It is carried out within 10-15 minutes. Timely dermoscopic examination of moles and detection of melanoma at an early stage in most cases help to prevent further development of the tumor and save human life.

— Doctors do not recommend sunbathing from noon to 4 pm. But the northern sun is not as active as the southern one. Perhaps you will give more specific recommendations for our readers?

“Our fellow citizens joke that June is not yet summer in our city, August is no longer summer, and July is as lucky. Indeed, sunny days in our region do not happen as often as we would like, but there are no concessions for us. Sun exposure during peak hours should be avoided.

– Elena Nikolaevna, I know that you worked as a dermatologist for many years. Your spouse is also a doctor. Does your family like to sunbathe? Tell me, probably, you don’t allow your children to sunbathe and avoid beach holidays?

– Not at all. After all, we are ordinary people. Sometimes, like everyone else, we rest in the south. But never forget about protection. Being in the sun, we put on hats with wide brim or “visors”, sunglasses, light light clothes made from natural materials. We do not visit the beach from 11.00 to 16.00. And if you happen to spend time on the beach, then we apply protective agents to open areas of the skin. And children from childhood know the rules of caring for their health. Therefore, they are rather surprised why so many people neglect the simple rules of being on the beach.

— What should be the signal to understand that it is worth hiding in the shadows?

– Any change in normal well-being is a reason to stop sun exposure and seek medical help.

– Pharmacy counters, like television advertising, are full of a large number of skin protection products from UV rays. How to choose the right product that is suitable for your skin?

– It is better to use sunscreens that contain both UVA and UVB filters. In the first days, it is necessary to select a filter that will protect the skin as much as possible from the harmful effects of the sun (SPF 90+, 60+, 50+). Next, choose a sun protection factor that matches your skin type (SPF 30+, 15+).

Remember to apply the product 30 minutes before sun exposure and additionally during prolonged sun exposure, as well as after bathing and drying.

The SPF number does not indicate the quality of protection, but the time that you can stay in the sun without burning.

I would like to add that a reasonable attitude to the sun preserves not only health, but also youthfulness of the skin. After all, skin aging in 80% of cases is premature aging (photoaging). Intensive sunburn is a damaging factor for the skin, leads to dehydration,

coarsening, loss of elasticity and the appearance of spots, which are not easy to get rid of later.

Basic rules for the prevention of skin cancer:

• don’t be a tanner
• always protect your skin from the active sun
• do not injure moles
• visit a dermatologist-oncologist once a year
• Examine and remove suspicious skin lesions as directed by your doctor.

Healthy skin is a sign of beauty, take care of it and monitor its condition!

Beware! Melanoma! — BUZ VO Velikoustyug Central District Hospital

Melanoma is one of the types of skin malignant neoplasms that develops from melanocyte-producing pigment cells and is characterized by an aggressive, often unpredictable and variable clinical course.

Its most common localization is the skin, much less often the mucous membrane of the eyes, nasal cavity, mouth, larynx, skin of the external auditory canal, anus, female external genital organs. This tumor is one of the most severe forms of cancer that disproportionately affects young people (15-40 years old) and ranks 6th among all malignant tumors in men and 2nd in women (after cervical cancer).

Until about 40 years ago, skin melanoma was a relatively rare disease. However, in recent decades, its frequency has increased significantly, and the annual growth rate is up to 5%. Why is melanoma dangerous?

How can you tell a mole from a melanoma?

A benign birthmark is characterized by:

1. Symmetrical shape.
2. Smooth, even outlines.
3. Uniform pigmentation, giving the formation a color from yellow to brown and even sometimes black.
4. A flat surface that is flush with the surface of the surrounding skin or slightly evenly elevated above it.
5. No increase in size or little growth for a long time.

What does melanoma look like?

It may appear as a flat pigmented or non-pigmented spot with a slight elevation, round, polygonal, oval or irregular in shape with a diameter greater than 6 mm. It can maintain a smooth, shiny surface for a long time, on which small ulcerations, irregularities, and bleeding occur in the future with minor trauma. Pigmentation is often uneven, but more intense in the central part, sometimes with a characteristic black rim around the base. The color of the entire neoplasm can be brown, black with a bluish tint, purple, motley in the form of individual unevenly distributed spots.

In some cases, it takes the form of overgrown papillomas, resembling a “cauliflower”, or the shape of a mushroom on a wide base or on a stalk. Near the melanoma sometimes there are additional separate or merging with the main tumor foci (“satellites”). Occasionally, the tumor is manifested by limited redness, which turns into a permanent ulcer, the bottom of which is filled with growths. When developing against the background of a birthmark, a malignant tumor can develop on its periphery, forming an asymmetric formation.

Knowledge of reliable and significant symptoms of the transition of benign formations to an active state is of great importance. How to recognize a malignant formation and the moment of transformation of a birthmark into it? Early signs are as follows:

1. Enlargement of planar dimensions to that permanent or very slowly growing mole, or rapid growth of a new nevus.
2. Changing the shape or shape of an already existing formation. The occurrence in any of its areas of seals or asymmetry of contours.
3. Discoloration or discoloration of an existing or acquired birthmark.
4. Change in intensity (increase or decrease) of pigmentation.
5. The appearance of unusual sensations – itching, tingling, burning, “bursting”.
6. Occurrence of redness around a birthmark in the form of a corolla.
7. Disappearance of hair from the surface of the formation, if any, disappearance of the skin pattern.
8. The appearance of cracks, peeling and bleeding with minor injuries (light friction with clothing) or even without them, as well as growths of the papilloma type.

The presence of one of these symptoms, and even more so their combination, is a reason for the patient to visit a doctor, for further referral to a specialized oncological treatment and prevention institution for examination and treatment

Treatment of skin melanoma

The main method is surgical knife, laser or radio wave excision of the tumor. In the presence of metastatic foci, a combination of the surgical method with chemotherapy and immunotherapy is used.

Prevention of melanoma

The main method of preventing the development of malignant tumors on the skin is the timely removal of those moles, age spots, nevi that have been injured. As well as those parts of the body that, due to their location, are at great risk of injury and, therefore, the further possibility of developing melanoma. Of no small importance is the restriction of sun exposure to those people who are at risk (fair-skinned, red, with a large number of moles, as well as those who have had cases of melanoma in their family). For these people, it is very important to protect their skin from direct exposure to sunlight, as this may be exactly the factor for them that will provoke the development of a tumor.

10 ways to prevent melanoma

• Avoid UV radiation. One of the best methods to reduce the risk of development.
• Wear head coverings. Baseball caps, caps and straw hats protect human skin much worse than a wide-brimmed hat made of dense material, because it protects the skin on the forehead, ears, nose and part of the neck.
• Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses with a high degree of sun protection protect the eyes and the skin around them, i.e. the eyelids.
• Wear clothing that covers large areas of skin. Naturally, the best option would be to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers.