Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. It can exist for years without an individual being aware due to its varied growth patterns. Understanding these patterns and recognizing potential signs is important for early detection.
Understanding Melanoma’s Growth
Melanoma’s ability to go unnoticed for years stems from its distinct growth phases. Initially, it enters a radial growth phase, where cancerous cells spread horizontally along the top layers of the skin. During this phase, the lesion may appear flat or slightly raised, often resembling a benign mole, and it lacks the ability to spread to distant sites. This superficial spreading can occur slowly, sometimes over several years or even decades.
Following the radial growth phase, melanoma can transition into a vertical growth phase. This marks a more aggressive stage where tumor cells begin to invade deeper into the dermis. The presence of vertical growth suggests that the melanoma has acquired the potential to metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body. The duration of the radial growth phase is variable and unpredictable, contributing to the differing timelines for detection.
Key Signs of Melanoma
Recognizing the visual characteristics of melanoma is important for early identification. The “ABCDE” rule is a widely used guideline to help individuals identify suspicious moles or new skin lesions. “A” stands for Asymmetry, meaning one half of the mole does not match the other half if an imaginary line were drawn through it. “B” represents Border irregularity, where the edges of the mole are often ragged, notched, blurred, or poorly defined.
“C” refers to Color variation, indicating that the mole displays uneven coloration, with shades of black, brown, and tan, and potentially areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue. “D” denotes Diameter, with melanomas being larger than 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, though they can be smaller. “E” stands for Evolving, which means any change in the mole’s size, shape, color, elevation, or any new symptoms like itching, tenderness, or bleeding over time. Other signs that warrant attention include a sore that does not heal, or any redness or swelling extending beyond the border of a mole.
Reasons for Delayed Detection
Several factors contribute to melanoma going undiagnosed for extended periods. One reason is that early melanomas can mimic benign moles, making them difficult to distinguish without careful observation. This resemblance can lead individuals to dismiss suspicious spots as harmless, especially if they are small or have minimal color variation.
Another contributing factor is the location of the melanoma on the body. Melanomas can appear in areas not regularly exposed to the sun or easily visible during self-examination, such as the scalp, soles of the feet, or under the nails. The slow, subtle changes of melanoma might also not immediately alarm an individual, particularly if they do not regularly perform skin self-exams. These combined factors can lead to delays in diagnosis, allowing the cancer to potentially progress.
Proactive Steps for Early Discovery
Taking proactive steps is important for improving the chances of early melanoma detection. Regularly performing skin self-exams, ideally monthly, allows individuals to become familiar with their skin and identify any new or changing moles or lesions. A thorough self-exam involves checking the entire body, including areas like the scalp, palms, soles of the feet, and between the toes, using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for difficult-to-see spots.
Professional dermatological check-ups are also important for early discovery, especially for individuals with higher risk factors such as a personal or family history of melanoma, fair skin, numerous moles, or a history of sunburns. Dermatologists possess specialized training and tools to examine moles more closely and can even photograph moles to track changes over time. Many dermatologists recommend annual examinations, with more frequent visits for high-risk individuals.