Melanoma is a serious skin cancer type that develops in cells producing melanin, which is the pigment that gives your skin its color. This skin cancer can be in your eyes, and sometimes inside the throat or nose. Why melanoma occurs is not exactly known but it is believed that high exposure to UV rays from sunlight or tanning beds and lamps can increase the odds of developing it. Melanoma is increasingly noticeable in people below 40 years of age, especially women. So, if you know the signs and symptoms of melanoma, you can detect cancer in its early stages and take appropriate measures.

Each of us should make an effort to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of melanoma if we wish for it to be detected early. An advantage with this cancer type is that most melanomas form on the skin and this makes it visible. So, you should get your skin examined regularly to spot any unusual growth or changes in the moles you had. In case you find anything out of the ordinary you must call your physician or a dermatologist to get your doubts cleared.

Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma
Most skin moles are harmless and they will be typically colored uniformly, whether black, brown, or tan colored. They can be slightly raised or flat, and they will hardly change their appearance over the years. However, one of the first signs of melanoma is if you notice a new spot on your skin or a change in the size, color, or shape of an existing spot or mole. There is an ABCDE method that will allow you to understand whether such skin growth can be a warning sign:

• Asymmetry
  When this mole develops an irregular shape.
• Border
  When edges of the mole are not smooth but notched or irregular
• Color
  When this model has dark spots or uneven shades
• Diameter
  When the spot becomes larger than a pencil eraser’s size
• Elevation
  If the spot changes in size, texture, or shape. Some moles may start to bleed or there may be new itchiness.

Besides these common signs and symptoms of melanoma, look out for

• Soles which refuse to heal
• Changes in texture of an existing mole or oozing and bleeding
• Redness and swelling spreading to the surrounding skin
• Pain, tenderness, and itchiness
• Blurry vision or dark spots in your iris

Melanomas may develop anywhere in your body but mostly they are found on regions that have maximum exposure to the sun. So, your face, arms, back, and legs are more likely to have these moles. However, they may also happen in places that do not get so much UV ray exposure like your fingernail beds, palms, and soles of the feet. Such hidden types of melanoma are more noticeable in people having a darker complexion.

Moles can start in childhood and they are formed till one attains 40 years of age. By this time, you are likely to have between 10 and 40 moles. Moles can change appearances over the years and some might even disappear as you grow older. But when you find them getting bigger, changing color and shape, or bleeding and itchy, inform your doctor without delay.