Melanoma, considered as the most dangerous type of skin cancer, are cancerous growths that develop due to a genetic mutation of the skin cells caused due to damage to their DNA (mostly by ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds). Melanomas often look like moles, and they develop from moles many a time. Majority of melanomas are either brown or black, but there are cases in which they also manifest as red, purple, pink, white, blue, or skin-colored.

Sores, lumps, markings, blemishes, unusual moles, or even changes in the look and feel of the skin could be the result of melanoma or other types of skin cancer.

Normal moles: Normal moles are usually an even-toned spot on the skin that is normally brown, black, or tan in color. They can either be raised or flat and can be oval or round. There are moles that are present since birth, while a few develop over time during childhood or young adulthood. Moles that develop later in life should be checked by a doctor. Moles are harmless most of the times; however, if one observes any changes in their mole, such as in its shape, size, or color, they should definitely get it checked by a doctor.

Let’s look at the possible signs and symptoms of melanoma:

One of the most important warnings sign when identifying a melanoma is looking for a new spot on the skin, or an already existing spot changing shape, color, or size. Another important thing to note is to look for a spot that looks somewhat different as compared to other spots present on the skin, which are characterized by experts as the ugly duckling sign.

There is a rule that can help one look out for the possible signs of melanoma. The rule is known as ABCDE rule that serves as a guide to the possible signs of melanoma, so let’s see what this rule means:

• A stands for asymmetry: One half of birthmark or mole does not match with the other half.
• B stands for Border: The edges are blurred, notched, ragged, or irregular.
• C stands for Color: The color is not consistent all over, and it may include various shades such as black or brown, or even blue, white, or pink.
• D stands for Diameter: The diameter of the spot is more than 6mm across (however, melanomas can be even smaller than this at times).
• E stands for Evolving: The mole keeps on changing shape, size, or color.

One thing to note is that one should always get themselves checked by a doctor before jumping to any conclusion as the mentioned signs could be due to other reasons too.

Some other warning signs are as follows:

• Redness or swelling along the edges of the mole.
• A sore that does not heal.
• Change in sensations, such as tenderness, pain, or itchiness.
• Spreading of the pigment of the mole to the surrounding parts of the skin.
• Change in the surface of the mole, such as oozing, scaly texture, an appearance of a bump or lump, or bleeding.

Hence, any abnormal-looking mole, a new mole, or an old one that has suddenly changed should be checked by a doctor to rule out melanoma.