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Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes. Other names for this cancer include malignant melanoma and cutaneous melanoma. Most melanoma cells still make melanin, so melanoma tumors are usually brown or black. But some melanomas do not make melanin and can appear pink, tan, or even white. Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, but they are more likely to start on the trunk (chest and back) in men and on the legs in women. The neck and face are other common sites.
Having darkly pigmented skin lowers your risk of melanoma at these more common sites, but anyone can get melanoma on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or under the nails. Melanomas in these areas make up a much larger portion of melanomas in African Americans. African Americans have the lowest survival rates of melanoma of any racial group in the U.S. (University of California, 2019). Due to a lack of proper awareness, the disease is often detected in its later stage making it harder to treat. Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a type of melanoma that often appear as small lesions on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or under the fingernails. Those are not obvious places people think to check for skin cancer.
Signs and symptoms of Melanoma
The ABCDE assessment rule is used to help diagnose melanoma.
A is for Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
B is for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
C is for Color: The color is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
D is for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ¼ inch – the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Some melanomas don’t fit these rules. Other warning signs are:
-A sore that doesn’t heal
-Spread of pigment from the border of a spot into surrounding skin
-Redness or a new swelling beyond the border of the mole
-Change in sensation, such as itchiness, tenderness, or pain
-Change in the surface of a mole – scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a lump or bump
If you have one of these warning signs, have your skin checked by a doctor.
Prevention and Early Detection
Melanoma can often be found early, when it is most likely to be cured. There is no sure way to prevent melanoma skin cancer. But there are things you can do that might lower your risk.
-Perform self-skin exams monthly. Look for new or changing dark spots, sore that won’t heal, rough, dry or irregular shaped patch of skin, dark lines or spots under your fingernails and toenails.
-Ask your barber or beautician to inform you if they see any dark spots or odd growth on your scalp.
-Seek shade whenever possible.
-Wear clothing that protect your skin from the sun.
-Wear sunscreen and reapply every 15-30 minutes while outside.
-Avoid tanning beds and sunlights.
Make a difference, start checking your skin today.
Skin Care is Healthcare
Lovin’ My Skin, LLC
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