Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment, melanin. This form of cancer can emerge anywhere on the skin, including in existing moles, or as a new growth. Understanding whether melanoma causes a person to feel unwell is important for early recognition and management. This article explains the physical sensations associated with melanoma and provides essential information for its detection.
Melanoma’s Early Stages
In its initial phases, melanoma typically does not cause systemic symptoms, meaning individuals usually do not “feel sick.” Instead, it primarily manifests as a change on the skin, such as a new spot or an alteration in an existing mole. While some early melanomas might cause itching or tenderness, these sensations are not universal. Their absence does not rule out the presence of melanoma. The insidious nature of early melanoma, often presenting without discomfort, highlights the need for regular skin self-examinations.
Systemic Symptoms with Advanced Melanoma
While early melanoma often presents without noticeable illness, a person can begin to feel unwell if the cancer progresses and metastasizes, or spreads, to other areas of the body. Melanoma cells can travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, establishing new tumors in distant organs. When melanoma spreads, the symptoms experienced depend on the location of these secondary tumors. For instance, spread to the lungs might cause a persistent cough or shortness of breath, while liver involvement can lead to loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
Bone pain or fractures may occur if the cancer reaches the bones, and headaches or seizures can signal spread to the brain. Swollen or painful lymph nodes are another indication of metastatic melanoma.
Recognizing Melanoma’s Visual Signs
Given that systemic symptoms are uncommon in early stages, recognizing visual changes on the skin is fundamental for detection. The “ABCDEs” rule serves as a practical guide for identifying suspicious moles or growths.
Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
Border irregularity: Edges that are uneven, notched, or scalloped.
Color variation: Multiple colors or uneven shades within the same lesion, such as black, brown, tan, white, red, or blue.
Diameter: Melanomas are often larger than 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser.
Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding.
Regularly checking your skin for new moles or changes in existing ones is a proactive measure for early detection.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection holds immense significance for positive outcomes in melanoma. Because early melanoma typically does not cause a person to feel sick, visual vigilance remains the primary defense. Melanoma is highly treatable when identified and removed in its initial stages, often before it has had the opportunity to spread. However, once melanoma has metastasized to distant organs, treatment becomes considerably more complex and the prognosis generally declines. Therefore, if any suspicious skin changes are observed, seeking prompt medical evaluation is essential.