Skin Melanoma mole Picture
Melanoma may sound like a scary word, but the truth is that it doesn't have to be, if you know what to look for. This type of skin cancer affects moles. It starts in the melanocytes, a microscopic substance in the skin. Melanocytes are what gives skin its dark coloring. If a mole is found that seems questionable, there are a few easy steps in identifying if the mole could have melanoma. First, if the mole's shape has changed, or it has irregular borders or an odd, uneven shape, this is a possible sign of melanoma. Most moles' sides look the same and they are either dots on the skin or a small round bump. Melanoma is more likely to be slightly raised and flat, often larger than a mole. Moles that peel, flake or itch should be considered as a possible threat and the doctor should see it immediately. Size is also a factor. If a mole is larger than 6mm, it should be checked for melanoma and monitored frequently. The last factor is color. Because melanocytes cause dark coloring in the skin, a mole with melanoma may darken. This darkening could be across the whole mole, or just a certain spot. A blueish or purple color is sometimes noted to appear. When a person finds a mole with any of these signs, the doctor should be notified immediately. Even though it is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, it is the least common. Nevertheless, a doctor should always examine any mole that is questionable. Treatments are easy and have been known to be 100% effective if the melanoma is spotted early. Surgical removal of the mole, and possibly a small area around it, is the most common treatment in early stages. If the melanoma is left untreated to spread, it will often require chemotherapy. In further stages, gene replacement therapy or holistic therapies are an option. People with very late stages of melanoma, where the cancer has spread considerably, may be eligible for experimental treatments that have sometimes been effective. Awareness of one's risk and a monthly self-check of moles is crucial. Early detection is the most important factor; the difference between a simple surgery and a dangerously fast spreading cancer lies in detection (and calling the doctor immediately if a threat is present). Regular cancer screenings are also important.