What is melanoma and how to detect it

Found yourself looking for more information about melanoma? Is it caused by the sun? Or genetics? And what do the early signs of melanoma look like?

It can be a big, and often scary, thing to tackle — but it’s also very important. In 2024, the Estimates of the American Cancer Society that 100,640 new melanomas will be diagnosed as melanoma rates rise in the US. Yet, many of these cases are preventable with awareness and early detection.

As leaders in sun protection, we aim to inspire a future without skin cancer. We have worked with The world-renowned dermatologist Dr. Susana Puig to share the instructions from which you can rely: “Let’s talk about melanoma — because being informed is the first step to protecting our health.”

Read on for expert advice on doing a skin self-exam, when to see a dermatologist for a checkup, and how to minimize your risk of melanoma.

What is melanoma?

The clues are in the name: inkCells are the cells in your skin that contribute to its color. Meanwhile, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs when melanocytes begin to reproduce uncontrollably.

Although it is less common than many other types of skin cancer, it is the most aggressive. (1) What makes it dangerous? It can spread very quickly to other parts of the body. Once melanoma has spread, it is considered invasive and can potentially become life-threatening. (1) This is why educating yourself about skin cancer (just as you are now!) is so important.

What does he look like?

We asked Dr. Puig. “Generally, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color or texture of a mole,” she shares. However, it can appear differently from person to person.

Many melanomas show a blue or black area and distinct features compared to your other moles, marks or freckles. She explains, “Melanoma can also appear as a pink lesion that won’t go away, a line of color on your nail that widens over time, or a new lesion that continues to grow and is dark or reddish, and looks different from the others. We call this his mark ugly“

Expert advice:
While medical experts have contributed and checked the facts in this article, there are many additional sources of melanoma information available. Please refer to these foundations for the latest information:
American Cancer Society
Skin Cancer Foundation
National Cancer Institute

What causes melanoma?

The main cause of melanoma is sun exposure, along with genetic factors. In addition to being responsible for 80% of visible skin aging, repeated UV exposure increases the overall risk of skin cancer. These UV rays can cause cancerous and precancerous lesions to appear on the skin. Melanoma is considered a cancerous lesion.

Who is at risk?

Dr. Puig reminds us that anyone can develop skin cancer — but using the right sunscreen can reduce the risk. “Daily sun protection is the best strategy for preventing visible signs of skin aging, actinic keratoses, and most importantly, melanoma and other skin cancers,” she explains.

Overall, the chance of developing melanoma increases in those who:

• You have lighter skin tones
• He had sunburns during childhood
• Spend long hours in the sun
• Use or have used a tanning bed
• You have more than 50 moles or beauty spots
• You have a family history of skin cancer
• He is 50 years old or older
• You have had an organ transplant (immunosuppression may increase the risk of melanoma)

How can I protect myself from melanoma?

Dr. Puig explains the three steps that can help you minimize your overall risk of skin cancer: sun protection, self-examination, and a skin exam. Let’s get into the details of each.

Step 1: Help reduce your risk by protecting yourself from the sun

Here’s the good news: over 80% of melanoma cases can be prevented. The best way to minimize risk? Taking preventative measures to keep your skin healthy and protected.

Dr. Puig shares her expert advice:

✅ Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during midday hours, when solar radiation is strongest. Suggestion: The smaller your shadow, the stronger the sun’s radiation.

✅ Always use sunscreen on exposed skin. For proper protection, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Apply generously about 15 minutes before exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours.

✅ Use other natural protective measures such as e.g sunglasses, umbrellas, hats or clothing.

✅ Avoid sunburn: Sunburn is one of the biggest factors that increase the risk of skin cancer and melanoma.

Expert advice: Dr. Susan Puig echoes the importance of applying sunscreen the right way, “We need to apply an adequate amount of product and distribute it properly.” This means paying special attention to them easy to get lost places like your ears, toes and nose.

Step 2: Learn how to look for possible signs of melanoma

While self-exams can’t diagnose melanoma or replace your annual dermatologist visit, they can help you take your health into your own hands. Where to start from? Dr. Puig shares an expert method: “Get to know your skin by observing changes and using what’s known as the ABCDE technique. It’s an acronym that helps identify the most common signs of melanoma.” These are:

• Asymmetry: the outline of one half mole is different from the other.
• Border: the edges are uneven, indistinct or irregular.
• Colour: the color is uneven and may include shades of black, brown and cinnamon.
• Diameter: its size changes, usually increases.
• Development: any changes in the mole in recent weeks or months.

Other warning signs of melanoma may be:

• A wound that won’t heal
• A mole’s color begins to spread beyond its original boundary
• A mole begins to swell or become inflamed
• Changes in sensation (itching, tenderness or pain)
• Changes on the surface of a mole (peeling, bleeding or nodule)

Overall, be sure to keep an eye out for any new moles or areas of skin discoloration, noting any change in size, shape, or color. Pay attention to skin changes such as new patches or skin pigmentation. Anything else to look out for? A mole that looks different from others on your skin. If any of your moles match these characteristics, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist for a skin exam to get things checked out.

Expert advice: As you monitor your skin changes, take photos on your phone and take notes. That way, you’ll be better prepared to discuss any concerns with your dermatologist when your appointment comes.

Step 3: Schedule an annual skin exam with your dermatologist

It’s a good idea for everyone to check in with their dermatologist once a year — and for some more than others. Dr. Puig elaborates, “Those who have multiple moles or a personal or family history of skin cancer should have an annual skin exam using dermoscopy.”

What to expect at the dermatologist’s office

When you arrive at your appointment, your dermatologist will analyze all the moles on your body and interpret them with diagnostic imaging techniques. Why is it important to carefully inspect from head to toe? Sometimes melanoma can appear in places that are not easily visible.

Dermatologists can combine several techniques for a skin exam, including digital dermoscopy or a portable dermoscope. Dr. Puig explains that these tools can help analyze over 100 moles in less than 90 seconds. He continues, “Dermoscopy allows us to see parts of the skin structure that are not visible to the naked eye. With this, we can improve the diagnostic accuracy by 25%.

Expert advice: It’s especially important to schedule a skin exam if you suspect a skin abnormality—such as moles that have changed or non-pink scaly lesions that don’t heal (especially on the head and neck). Make sure that mention these concerns at your dermatologist appointment.

Caring for your skin’s future, now

Now you know what melanoma is, what causes it and how to be preventive against it. This knowledge is the first step towards a world without skin cancer.

What’s next? Share what you’ve learned with a friend, do your best to use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, and get your skin checked regularly. Dr. Puig agrees, “These steps, simple but fundamental, help ensure prevention and early detection.”

Reference:
1 What is melanoma skin cancer? What Is Melanoma? (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2023, from