Keep an eye on your skin: 5 ways to identify if you have melanoma

Did you know that skin moles - those seemingly harmless bumps on your skin can turn deadly?

Yes, you read that right. If left unchecked, a mole can turn out to be cancerous. Although skin cancers are often dismissed as “not real cancers’, if not diagnosed early, they can metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body and endanger lives.

Although there are various types of skin cancers, the most dangerous of them all is melanoma.


What Is Melanoma?
The word melanoma simply means ‘black tumour’. The Cleveland Clinic describes it as the most aggressive form of skin cancer, with the ability to spread to any organ. Melanoma originates from skin cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for the generation of melanin, or pigment, which adds colour to our skin.

Melanoma can occur in any part of the body. According to the Cleveland Clinic, men are more likely to develope melanoma on their back, while women are more likely to develop it on their legs.

How To Spot A Melanoma
The Cleveland Clinic states that melanomas can appear as “moles, open sores, raised bumps etc”.

Dermatologists suggest the ABCDE way of identifying melanoma. These are as follows:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
• Border: Jagged edges
• Colour: The mole is unevenly coloured.
• Size: The mole is larger than the tip of a pencil eraser (6.0 mm)
• Changeable: The spot is changing shape, size, or colour.

What Causes Melanoma?
The main cause of melanoma is exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays of the sun. Other factors include:

• A genetic predisposition to skin cancer.
• Overuse of tanning beds.
• Weak immune system.

How To Lower Your Risk For Melanoma?
Keep an eye out for any moles. See if it changes colour or shape.
Don’t step out into the sun without applying a good amount of sunscreen.
Consult the dermatologist immediately if you notice any changes.