Melanoma is one of the rarer skin cancers a person can get, and yet makes up for about 75 percent of deaths related to skin cancer.  This malignant tumor of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and therefore the pigment of the skin, for all its rarity, is the most dangerous type of skin cancer.  This, in turn, also makes it the most feared and, finally, one of the most misdiagnosed illnesses by people attempting to diagnose themselves.  By no means should skin cancer be taken lightly, but neither should a person give themselves a death sentence every time a spot shows up on the skin.  For those looking for the facts, however, there are few reliable resources, and so below are some answers to frequently asked questions about melanoma.  These are not the only answers, and for truly definitive and up-to-date information about skin cancer, consult a doctor.

How Can I Recognize a Melanoma?

Allow this article to be clear.  Unless you are a doctor, you cannot diagnose a melanoma.  There are, however, warning signs to be on the lookout for in order to know what is and is not something to bring to the attention of your doctor.

When you notice a discoloration on your skin, check for asymmetry.  Normal moles are symmetrical, meaning they are roughly the same when split in half.  A melanoma will appear misshapen.  Also, in the same vein of asymmetry, check for irregularities in the borders of the discoloration.  A mole or freckle will have regular, smooth, round borders and are nothing to be concerned about so long as they stay that way.  Thirdly, keep an eye on any discoloration.  For a few days, check to see if it has faded or become more pronounced.  Also, while moles are usually the same color all around, a melanoma may be varying shades of red, blue, and white, in addition to brown and black.  In addition to these major rules, also be on the lookout for a lesion which measures over six millimeters in diameter, an increase in diameter, elevation, or itching sensation at the spot.  These can be additional signs of melanoma and should be brought to the attention of your doctor.

A great way to remember this is by remembering your ABCDEs.  Asymmetrical, Border irregularity, Color,Diameter, and Enlarging.

Is There Only One Type of Melanoma?

No.  In fact, there are four:

Superficial Spreading Melanoma

The most common type of melanoma, Superficial Spreading Melanoma is the most common type of the four, making up about 70 percent of all cases.  It tends to spread over an increasing portion of the skin before spreading deeper into the dermis and can usually be found on the abdomen (for men), the legs (women) and upper back (both sexes).  The earliest indication of a superficial spreading melanoma is a discoloration and spreading of a pre-existing mole.

Nodular Melanoma

A nodular melanoma makes up only 15 to 30 percent of melanomas and is found more in men than women.  It does not spread over the skin before growing deeper into it, but instead grows deeper into the skin than any other type of the disease.  It is usually found on the abdomen, head, or neck.

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

As their name indicates, lentigo maligna melanomas usually come from lentigos, which are more commonly known as sun- or liver spots.  This type of melanoma takes years to develop and makes up only approximately five percent of the total cases of melanoma.  Because it takes so long to grow, and because it stays on the surface as long as it does, this form of melanoma is highly treatable.  They are usually flat, tan lesions covering a comparatively large area compared to other types of the disease.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

Though it only constitutes less than five percent of the total amount of diagnosed melanomas, it is the most common variety for African American and Asian people.  It typically occurs in the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, or underneath the nails.  Because of the pervasive myths that skin cancer only occurs on parts of the skin with regular exposure to the sun, and that African Americans and Asians are not at risk for melanoma, this variety is usually brought to a doctor’s attention later than other types.  Lesions are usually brown or black.

Are Tanning Beds a Safe Alternative to Sun Bathing?

There is simply no such thing as a safe alternative to the sun.  What is harmful about the sun is not the fact that you are outside, but the fact that it emits harmful UVA and UVB rays, which are now known to cause cancer.  Tanning beds emit the same radiation (and that is what it is… radiation) as the sun and are therefore no safer.  Since the beds only became commercially available in the US in the 1970s, it took some time for the studies to come back, long enough for some harmful myths to be spread by manufacturers about the supposed safety of their products.  The information is now in and is mounting further every day.  If you want to look tan, buy a self-tanner.

Can Melanoma Affect My Eyes?

Yes. Melanoma develops in melanin producing cells and because our eyes have those kinds of cells (it’s what gives our eyes their color) it’s possible to develop a condition called ocular melanoma.  It can be hard to see an eye melanoma because they tend to develop in those parts of they that we can’t see in a mirror. The odds of being afflicted with ocular melanoma increase with age, but those risks can also be augmented by UV exposure from the sun and artificial tanning. That’s why eye protection is just as important as skin protection. While there are many treatments for ocular melanoma that will not impact vision, in most cases some loss of vision will be experienced.

Resources and Further Reading

Your Disease Risk – An interactive online tool which tells you, after a series of questions, how likely you are compared to the average person to get a melanoma.
The ABCDs of Malignant Melanoma – A review and further facts about diagnosis and treatment.
Facts and Factors – More melanoma facts, as well as risk factors.
Clinical Trials – Stanford Cancer Institute offers clinical trials for the treatment of advanced melanoma.
How Not to Get It – The Holden Cancer Center Tips for Melanoma Prevention.
National Cancer Institute – A resource for further information.
Interactive Tutorial – Too much text?  This online interactive tutorial attempts to make it a little more interesting.
Melanoma of the Eye – A full explanation of this condition.