Melanoma is a type of skin cancer and can occur on any skin surface. In men, it is often found on the trunk (area from the shoulders to the hips) or the head and neck. In women, melanoma often develops on the lower legs.
Symptoms
A change in a mole's size, shape, color or feel can indicate melanoma. Think A-B-C-D to remember what to look for:
- Asymmetry — The shape of one half does not match the other half.
- Border — The edges are often ragged, notched, blurred or irregular in outline, and the pigment may spread into the surrounding skin.
- Color — The color is uneven with shades of black, brown and tan. Areas of white, grey, red, pink or blue also may be seen.
- Diameter — If there is a change in size, it's usually an increase. Melanomas are usually larger than the average eraser of a pencil (5 millimeters or ¼ inch).
Diagnosis
If the doctor suspects that a spot on the skin is melanoma, you will need to have a biopsy. This procedure is usually done in the doctor's office using a local anesthetic.
Source: National Cancer Institute