Damon Mcknight
Melanoma is the second most common cancer in men and the third most common in women in Australia. It usually occurs on the back, chest, and legs—areas that are likely to get intense, periodic UV exposure from the sun. However, it can also appear in parts of the body that rarely see the sun. Melanoma can vary in appearance, but the first sign is usually a new spot or a change in an existing mole.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Irregular |
| Borders | Irregular |
| Colour | Brown, tan, black, red, blue, white, pink, purple, or a combination of these colours |
| Location | Torso (men), legs (women), upper back (both sexes), face, eye, fingernails, gastrointestinal tract, genitals |
| Moles | Change in existing mole or appearance of a new mole |
| Spots | New spots, change in size or colour of existing spots |
| Sores | Sores that don't heal |
| Skin | Itchy skin |
| Skin Colour | Fair skin |
| Age | Occurs most often in people in their 40s and 50s |
| History | Sunburn during childhood/adolescence, regular exposure to the sun or tanning beds |
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What You'll Learn
Superficial spreading melanoma
In the early stages, you might not notice any visible signs of change. Instead, you may experience itchiness or a strange feeling in an existing mole or spot. Over time, superficial spreading melanoma can grow outwards across the epidermis, remaining in this phase for months to years before it is recognised. It usually appears on the legs, torso, and upper back, although it can also occur in areas that receive little sun exposure.
The main way to prevent superficial spreading melanoma is to reduce UV exposure and follow sun safety practices. Regular skin checks are vital, and if you notice any unusual spots or changes to existing moles or spots, it is recommended to book a professional skin check with a dermatologist or a melanographer for early diagnosis and treatment.
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Nodular melanoma
The initial treatment for nodular melanoma is surgical removal of the lesion along with a margin of normal tissue. If the melanoma is thicker than 1mm, further tests such as lymph node biopsy, imaging studies, and blood tests may be necessary to determine if it has spread to other parts of the body. Patients with nodular melanoma should attend regular follow-up appointments to detect any recurrences as soon as possible.
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Amelanotic melanoma
The staging of amelanotic melanoma is based on the thickness of the tumour and whether it has spread to other areas of the body. Stage 0 indicates that the melanoma is limited to the outer layer of the skin, while Stage 1 is for cancers under 1 mm in thickness. Stage 2 melanomas are greater than 1 mm and are at high risk of spreading. Stage 3 indicates that the melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes or nearby areas, and Stage 4 means it has metastasised to distant organs, lymph nodes, bones, or the digestive tract.
The treatment of amelanotic melanoma typically involves surgical excision, and in some cases, lymph node biopsy and removal may be necessary. Follow-up is crucial for managing amelanotic melanoma, as it allows for the early detection of recurrences and new primary melanomas. Regular self-skin examinations and routine skin checks with a healthcare professional are recommended for early detection and improving outcomes.
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Common locations
Melanomas can develop anywhere on the body, though they are more likely to occur in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs. In men, melanomas are most commonly found on the trunk, particularly the back, while in women, they are often found on the legs.
The soles of the feet, palms of the hands, fingernail beds, and mucous membranes (such as the mouth) can also be affected, though melanomas in these areas are less common. These areas are often missed during skin checks, but it is important to examine them regularly as melanomas in these locations can be particularly dangerous due to their proximity to vital organs and the potential for late detection.
In Australia, the high UV levels and outdoor lifestyle increase the risk of sun exposure, which is a major cause of melanoma. Regular skin checks are important, and any new, changing, or unusual spots should be checked by a doctor. Early detection is critical, and knowing what to look for can save lives.
When checking your skin, pay particular attention to areas that are regularly exposed to the sun, as well as those that may be hidden or less obvious, such as the scalp, ears, and between the toes. Use a mirror or ask a partner or friend to help check hard-to-see areas. Remember, melanomas can develop anywhere, so it's important to be thorough and familiar with your skin.
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ABCDEFG guide
Melanoma is the second most common cancer in men and the third most common in women in Australia. It is also the most common type of cancer in people aged 15 to 39. It is important to be able to identify the signs of melanoma, as early detection is key to successful treatment. The ABCDEFG guide is a useful tool for identifying the early signs of melanoma skin cancer.
A is for Asymmetry. A mole or spot may be a sign of melanoma if the two halves of it look different.
B is for Border. Melanoma lesions often have uneven, scalloped, or notched edges.
C is for Colour. Melanomas may have different shades and colour patches, or a combination of colours including brown, tan, black, red, blue, and white. Sometimes, amelanotic melanomas may even be clear and colourless, or look like a patch of normal skin.
D is for Diameter. Melanoma spots are usually greater than 6 mm across, but they can also be smaller than 6 mm and growing larger.
E is for Evolution. If you notice any changes in a mole or spot, no matter the colour, seek a clinical diagnosis as soon as possible.
F is for Firmness. A spot that feels firm to the touch may be a melanoma lesion.
G is for Gloss. Melanomas may have a shiny or pearly appearance.
It is important to note that melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin, but it is more common on the trunk (chest and back), head or neck in men, and the arms and legs in women. It can also occur in parts of the body that are not exposed to the sun. If you notice any unusual spots on your skin, it is important to book a professional skin check straight away.
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Frequently asked questions
The first sign of melanoma is usually a new spot or a change in an existing mole. Other symptoms include dark areas under nails or on membranes lining the mouth, vagina or anus.
If you notice any changes to your skin, your doctor will examine you and check any spots you have identified as changed. They will consider the criteria known as “ABCDEFG”, which includes factors such as asymmetry, border, colour, diameter, evolution and location.
Melanoma can vary in appearance. It may be brown, tan, black, red, blue, white, pink, purple or clear and colourless. It can be raised or flat and look like a freckle that is growing at its edges.
Melanoma usually occurs on the back, chest, legs, face, arms and neck. However, it can also appear in parts of the body that don't get much sun exposure.
