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1 Melanoma | 2 Moles | 3 Seborrhoeic keratoses | 4 Dermatofibroma | 5 Haemangioma | 6 Sunspots | 7 BCC | 8 SCC

Melanoma

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a skin cancer that arises from the pigmented forming cells in the skin called melanocytes. The majority form from excessive sun exposure. About half of melanomas arise from moles while the other half arises on normal appearing skin. Melanoma is the most dangerous of the common types of skin cancer.

What does melanoma look like?

Melanoma usually appears as an enlarging coloured skin spot. They can have various shades of brown, black and blue. They can be flat or raised. A small proportion of melanoma are not colourful, but appear as a changing "skin coloured" spot. Because of this, any changing skin spot should be reported to your doctor. Remember that the majority of melanoma have no symptoms when they are found. Some may be itchy, and bleeding is a late sign. Melanoma, like other skin cancers, are only very rarely irritating to the touch. In the majority of cases they are detected solely by their appearance.

How important is early detection?

It is very important to remove a melanoma early in its life. This is because "thin" melanoma have a very good prognosis (96% cure rates). Therefore early detection is vital in controlling the disease (see section on "checking your own moles"). The commonest site for melanoma in men is the back and in women the legs. However, you should check all of your skin.

What type of person has a high risk of developing melanoma?

The most important common risk factor for developing melanoma is having lots of moles. Other important risk factors include a family history of melanoma, a personal history of melanoma or other types of skin cancer, freckled or fair skin (skin that tends to burn rather than tan), and frequent recreational sun exposure. While melanoma can occur in childhood it is uncommon before puberty. Melanoma is also uncommon in the Aboriginal, Asian and African races.

How are melanomas on the skin treated?

The standard treatment for melanoma on the skin is surgical excision. The extent of the scar required to adequately remove the melanoma depends mainly on the thickness of the melanoma. Most excisions leave non-disfiguring linear (straight line) scars. However, this also depends on the site of the melanoma.

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