Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that originates in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. It can develop on any part of the body, including areas not typically exposed to the sun. While melanoma accounts for a smaller percentage of all skin cancers, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Early detection is important because it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Is Itching a Common Melanoma Symptom?
Melanoma can sometimes cause itching, but it is not a constant or universal symptom. Some melanomas may itch due to inflammation or irritation. Itching can be a warning sign, especially if persistent and localized to a specific mole or skin lesion.
Many benign skin conditions can also cause itching, so the presence or absence of itching alone does not definitively diagnose melanoma. Itchiness is more frequently associated with other types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. If itching accompanies other changes in a mole, such as bleeding or crusting, it warrants further investigation.
Other Signs of Melanoma
Beyond itching, other visual warning signs can indicate melanoma. Dermatologists often use the “ABCDE” rule to help identify suspicious moles or lesions.
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half. Benign moles are typically symmetrical, while melanoma often has an irregular shape.
- Border: The edges of the mole are uneven, ragged, notched, or blurred. Healthy moles usually have smooth, well-defined borders.
- Color: The mole has multiple colors, such as different shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue. A benign mole usually has a single, uniform color.
- Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). While melanomas can be smaller, this size is a common indicator.
- Evolving: Any change in the mole’s size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding, crusting, or tenderness. Any new or changing mole warrants medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If caught in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 99%. This rate drops significantly if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
Consult a medical professional if any new, changing, or suspicious moles or skin lesions appear. Individuals should not rely solely on self-diagnosis. A doctor can perform a skin examination and, if necessary, a biopsy to determine if a mole is cancerous. Regular self-examinations and professional screenings are important for skin health management.