Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. It is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer known for its ability to spread rapidly to other parts of the body if not detected early.

In this guide, we aim to inform about early melanoma detection, how important regular skin checks are, and the ABCDE method. Understanding these can significantly increase the chances of catching melanoma in its earliest, most treatable stages.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. While it often develops in areas exposed to the sun, it can also occur in parts of the body not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.

Melanoma is notorious for its ability to spread to other organs, making early detection crucial. Melanoma has five stages, grouped into three categories: localized, regional and distant.

Stages of Melanoma

Stage 0

The skin cancer is limited to the skin in the outermost layer. It has not spread to lymph nodes or distant parts of the body.

Stage I

The main tumor is no more than 2 mm thick. This tumor may or may not be an ulcer.

The cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or distant parts of the body.

Stage II

The main tumor may be thicker than 4 mm. The tumor may or may not be an ulcer. It has not spread to lymph nodes or distant parts of the body.

Stage III

The main tumor can be any thickness and may or may not be ulcerated. The cancer has spread to lymph nodes and/or it has spread to very small areas of nearby skin. There are no signs the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.

Stage IV

The main tumor can be any thickness and it may or may not be ulcerated. The cancer may or may not be an ulcer, but the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body such as lymph nodes in other parts of the body, the lungs, organs outside the central nervous system, or the central nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and the coverings of the brain and spinal cord.

Categories of Melanoma Stages

The stages of melanoma have three categories: localized, regional, and distant.

Localized

Localized melanoma includes Stage 0, I, and II. This means that there is no sign that the cancer has spread beyond the skin where it started. The survival rate of localized melanoma in five years is 98.4%

Regional

Regional melanoma includes Stage III. This means that the cancer has spread beyond the skin where it started to nearby structures or lymph nodes. The survival rate of regional melanoma in five years is 63.5%

Distant or Metastatic

Distant or metastatic melanoma includes Stage IV. This means that the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or skin, or lymph nodes in other parts of the body. The survival rate of distant or metastatic melanoma in five years is 22.5%

Early Detection of Melanoma

Early awareness and regular skin examinations creates a big difference in preventing or treating melanoma and increases treatment success and survival rates. Regular skin checks should be done every month and professional skin exams should be taken annually. If you are often exposed to the sun or at high risk for melanoma, you should consider being more consistent in performing monthly skin checks and annual professional skin exams.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving)

The ABCDE rule is a simple yet effective method for assessing moles and skin lesions for signs of melanoma. Its goal is to distinguish normal moles from those that may be cancerous.

Asymmetry

Normal moles are typically symmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle of the lesion and the two halves do not match, it suggests asymmetry. Asymmetrical moles are a common warning sign of melanoma and warrant a closer examination by a specialist.

Border

The borders of early melanoma tend to be uneven, scalloped, or notched, unlike benign moles that usually have smooth, even borders. If the edges of the mole seem irregular or blurred, it’s a signal that a professional skin check is necessary.

Color

Having a variety of colors is another warning sign. Benign moles are usually a single shade of brown, whereas potentially cancerous moles can contain different shades of brown, tan, black, red, white, or blue. A mole that changes color or becomes lighter or darker should raise concerns.

Diameter

Melanomas usually are larger in diameter than a pencil eraser (¼ inch or 6 mm), although they can sometimes be smaller when first detected. Any growth in a mole’s size should prompt a visit to a dermatologist.

Evolving

Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or a new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting, points to an evolving mole. Evolution of a mole or skin lesion over time is a critical indicator of melanoma.

When to Consult With a Specialist?

If you notice any of the ABCDEs or other concerning signs on your skin, it’s time to consult with a dermatologist or skin cancer specialist. Other alarming signs include a sore that doesn’t heal, the spread of pigment from the border of a spot into the surrounding skin, redness or a new swelling beyond the border, change in sensation (itchiness, tenderness), and the appearance of a bump or nodule. Early professional evaluation and intervention are key to effectively treating melanoma.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’ve identified any suspicious moles or spots following the ABCDE rule or during your regular skin check, schedule a consultation with a melanoma specialist. Early detection and diagnosis are your best defense against melanoma. A professional skin examination can provide peace of mind or early treatment options if necessary. Remember, being proactive about your skin health can save your life.