Symptoms of Melanoma Cancer

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It is important to be able to recognize the most common symptoms of melanoma cancer, since you can use them to monitor your own skin for changes that could lead to this form of cancer.

The first things to monitor

Monitoring all the moles on your body is the best place to start, because most melanomas develop from existing moles. Changes in existing moles often are one of the first symptoms of skin cancer. When a normal mole becomes asymmetrical or develops an irregular border, these changes can signal a melanoma. If you observe a change in color and diameter, this can also point to a melanoma developing. Any evolving mole that is growing larger over time, changing colors, or varying in other ways can be a symptom you should carefully monitor.

New spots on your body

Not all melanomas develop out of existing moles. Many melanomas arise as new spots on your body that did not exist previously. If such a new spot is very itchy and scaly, or if it bleeds often, you should have it checked by a doctor as soon as possible. All of these signs can indicate the presence of melanoma.

Melanomas inside the body

Melanomas can also grow inside the body in the mucous membranes that line your digestive and urinary tracts. While these cancers cannot be visually observed, you can watch for symptoms that may signal their presence, such as vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain during bowel movements and difficulty swallowing.

If you are like most people, you have at least ten moles on your body; you should monitor all of them at least yearly for any changes. Melanomas in more hidden areas, such as under fingernails and inside the body, are harder to find. However, early detection is important for effective treatment.