Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the cells that make up the outer layer of your skin. It can also start in moles or other pigmented areas of your skin, such as birthmarks or tattoos.
Several things can increase your risk of getting melanoma, including age; fair skin; having many large or unusual moles (also called dysplastic nevi); and having had previous melanoma or other types of skin cancer.
Superficial spreading melanoma
This is the most common type of melanoma and grows slowly across the top layer of the skin. It makes up 70% of melanoma skin cancers. It often appears as a raised area of skin that is tan, brown or black with spots of red, pink, white or blue. It may feel hard or firm and it can bleed easily. It is more likely to develop in sun-damaged areas of the skin and most commonly occurs on the trunk, arms or legs.
Superficial spreading melanoma can sometimes grow deeper into the skin and become invasive. When this happens, it is classified as stage 3, 4 or 5. The stages are based on how deeply the melanoma has invaded the skin, as measured by Breslow depth. It is important that melanoma is diagnosed and treated early. Monthly skin checks can help detect melanoma in the early stages when it is easier to treat.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing melanoma, including using sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and covering up when possible. You should also check your skin regularly and see a doctor if you notice any new or changing moles or lesions. This can help you get a fast, accurate diagnosis and receive lifesaving treatment.
Nodular melanoma
Nodular melanoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It typically starts as a new growth and can be found on the head, neck, or trunk of the body. It’s also more likely to spread than other types of melanoma, and it can be harder to detect at an early stage.
Nodular melanomas are typically larger than normal moles and often look like warts. They can be red, pink, brown, black, or blue-black and may have a firm or smooth texture. They can grow quickly and can be itchy or painful. These lesions can also be ulcerated and may bleed.
While nodular melanoma isn’t contagious, it can spread to other parts of the body through lymph nodes or blood vessels. The disease can cause severe skin damage and even death if it isn’t caught early and treated.
Anyone with a change in an existing melanoma or a new spot on their skin should see a dermatologist. These lesions are most often caused by UV rays from the sun or tanning beds, but they can also be caused by some other health conditions. You should use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses whenever you’re outside and regularly check your skin for any unusual changes. This will help you catch any signs of skin cancer sooner.
Lentigo maligna melanoma
Lentigo maligna melanoma (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma in situ (LMM) are precancerous skin tumours that typically grow on parts of the body that get a lot of sun exposure. They are usually larger than ordinary moles and may have a round or oval shape. They are also often darker and may be uneven in texture. They are often hereditary and run in families. People who have a weak immune system are more likely to develop a lentigo maligna melanoma, such as those with HIV infection or taking drugs that suppress the immune system.
LM/LMM starts on the surface of the skin and grows deeper into it over time. They are not as invasive as other types of melanoma and have a lower chance of transforming into an invasive melanoma, but they can spread to other areas of the body if left untreated. LM/LMM can be difficult to diagnose and treat because they often look like other benign pigmented lesions, such as lentigines or macular seborrheic keratoses.
LM/LMM is less common than other forms of melanoma and tends to affect older adults. It is more likely to be found on parts of the body that get alot of sun, such as the face and legs. It is more common in men than women and can appear on any part of the body.
Acral lentiginous melanoma
Acral lentiginous melanoma is a type of skin cancer that usually forms on the palms of your hands, soles of your feet or underneath your fingernails and toenails. It happens when the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes become cancerous. It can cause dark patches of skin with a sharp border between them and normal-appearing skin, or it may occur as bleeding within an existing mole that slowly enlarges over time.
This type of melanoma is different from other types of melanomas in that it develops on parts of your body that can’t be exposed to sunlight. As a result, it typically develops later in life and doesn’t have the same association with sun exposure as other melanoma subtypes.
It is also a less common form of skin cancer in Caucasians, and it occurs at higher rates among people of color, including Blacks and those of Asian descent. This is partly because it can be difficult to detect early on. It’s important to perform monthly at-home self-skin checks and visit a dermatologist annually for a professional exam.
If you have any unusual growths on your skin, especially if they bleed or turn a darker shade of red or purple, you should get it checked out right away. The earlier melanoma is detected, the easier it will be to treat and prevent it from spreading.