Melanoma is the most serious kind of skin cancer though it doesn’t always start from a mole you already have. Knowing what increases your risk, what to look for, and what happens after diagnosis can help you act fast and with confidence.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the skin cells that produce pigment. While many moles are harmless, melanoma can arise in new lesions or existing moles. What makes melanoma dangerous is its ability to spread (metastasize) if not caught early.

Key Risk Factors

• Fair skin, freckles, light hair; skin that burns easily.
• Lots of sun exposure or history of sunburns, particularly blistering burns.
• Use of tanning beds.
• Family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.
• Many moles, especially atypical/dysplastic moles.
• A weakened immune system.

Recognising Early Melanoma

Use the ABCDE mnemonic:

• Asymmetry – one half of the mole doesn’t match the other
• Border irregular or blurred edges
• Colour variations (different shades of brown, black, pink, red, white)
• Diameter larger than ~6mm or growing
• Evolving – changing size, shape, elevation, colour, or symptoms like itching or bleeding

It’s worth remembering that many melanomas are new moles, not ones you’ve had a long time.

Diagnosis & Tests

Doctors or Nurse Dermoscopists will usually do:

• A full skin exam, often with a dermatoscope.
• Biopsy if something looks suspicious.
• Measuring thickness (how deep it goes), which helps define the stage.
• Possibly imaging or other tests if there is concern of spread.

The earlier melanoma is found, the better the outcome. Survival rates are high for melanomas if treated early. After treatment, regular follow-ups are essential; monitoring for recurrence, checking for new skin cancers. Also, lifestyle measures (sun protection etc.) are part of long-term risk reduction.