Yes, when detected early, melanoma is highly treatable and has a cure rate of up to 99%. Early detection is key to successful outcomes.

How can I reduce my risk of melanoma?

Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. Regular skin checks are also important.

How fast does melanoma spread?

Melanoma can spread quickly, sometimes within weeks or months, depending on the type and stage. This is why early detection is so important for successful treatment.

Can people with darker skin get melanoma?

Yes. Although people with darker skin have more natural protection against UV rays, they can still get melanoma. It often appears in less obvious areas like the palms, soles, or under the nails.

Can melanoma return after treatment?

Yes, melanoma can recur, especially if it was diagnosed at a later stage. Regular follow-up care and skin checks are crucial after treatment to monitor for recurrence.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a severe form of skin cancer that starts in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. It most often appears on sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, back, and legs, but can also develop in the eyes or, in rare cases, inside the body.

The primary cause of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, whether from the sun or tanning beds. Limiting UV exposure and protecting your skin can significantly reduce your risk.

Cases of melanoma are increasing, especially among people under 40 and women in particular. While about 30% of melanomas begin in existing moles, most arise on normal-looking skin, making it crucial to watch for new or changing spots.

Melanoma can be aggressive and spread quickly, but it’s also highly treatable when caught early, with a cure rate of up to 99%. Regular skin checks and knowing your risk factors, such as fair skin, many moles, or a family history, can make a life-saving difference.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a severe form of skin cancer that starts in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. It most often appears on sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, back, and legs, but can also develop in the eyes or, in rare cases, inside the body.

The primary cause of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, whether from the sun or tanning beds. Limiting UV exposure and protecting your skin can significantly reduce your risk.

Cases of melanoma are increasing, especially among people under 40 and women in particular. While about 30% of melanomas begin in existing moles, most arise on normal-looking skin, making it crucial to watch for new or changing spots.

Melanoma can be aggressive and spread quickly, but it’s also highly treatable when caught early, with a cure rate of up to 99%. Regular skin checks and knowing your risk factors, such as fair skin, many moles, or a family history, can make a life-saving difference.

Early detection saves lives. Don’t ignore changes in your skin; stay informed, stay protected, and get checked.

What are the causes of Melanoma?

Melanoma is primarily caused by damage to the DNA of skin cells, especially the melanocytes (cells that produce pigment). The main factors that contribute to this DNA damage include:

1. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

The most common cause of melanoma.
Comes from sunlight and artificial sources like tanning beds and sunlamps.
UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.

2. Genetics & Family History

A family history of melanoma increases your risk.
Certain inherited genetic mutations (e.g., CDKN2A, BRAF) can raise susceptibility.
People with many moles or atypical moles also have a higher risk.

3. Skin Type and Pigmentation

Fair-skinned individuals with light hair and eyes are more vulnerable.
Less melanin means less natural protection against UV radiation.

4. Weakened Immune System

People with compromised immunity (e.g., due to cancer treatments, organ transplants, or HIV/AIDS) are at greater risk.

5. Age and Gender

While melanoma can occur at any age, it's increasingly seen in younger adults, especially women under 40.

6. Previous Skin Cancers or Sunburns

A history of severe sunburns, especially during childhood, significantly increases melanoma risk.
Having had non-melanoma skin cancers (like basal or squamous cell carcinoma) also raises the risk.

What are the symptoms of melanoma?

Melanoma often begins as a change in the skin, so early detection depends on noticing unusual spots, moles, or skin changes. Here are the key signs and symptoms to watch for:

The ABCDE Rule of Melanoma

This is a helpful guide to identify suspicious moles or skin lesions:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
C – Colour: Uneven colours—shades of black, brown, tan, red, white, or blue.
D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, elevation, or a new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting.

Other Warning Signs

A new mole or growth that appears suddenly and looks different from others
A sore that doesn’t heal
Itching, tenderness, or pain in a mole or spot
A mole that oozes, bleeds, or becomes scaly
Changes in the surface texture, becoming raised, rough, or lumpy

Unusual Melanoma Locations

Melanoma can also occur in areas not typically exposed to the sun:

Eyes (ocular melanoma)
Nails (dark streak under a fingernail or toenail)
Mouth, nose, or genitals (rare, but possible)

When to see a doctor

If you notice a new or changing mole, a spot that itches, bleeds, or doesn’t heal, it’s important to see a doctor without delay. Melanoma can spread quickly, but it is highly treatable when caught early. At Apex Hospitals, our team of specialists offers expert screening, diagnosis, and care for skin cancers like melanoma. Don’t ignore changes in your skin; early detection could save your life.