Melanoma
There are many forms of skin cancer, which is a common problem, particularly for those who live in places where there is plenty of sunshine.
The most serious form of skin cancer is called melanoma. This usually starts in melanocytes — tiny cells in the outer layer of skin (epidermis). These cells give the skin its pigment (colour).
If not detected and removed, melanomas can grow into the deeper layers of the skin, from where they may spread to distant parts of the body such as the brain and liver. Here they interfere with normal functions and may cause death.
What does a melanoma look like?
A melanoma looks a bit like a freckle. It may be a variety of colours, including black, blue, brown, red or sometimes a pale greyish colour. Unlike freckles, melanomas usually have an irregular (smudgy) border. Their colour is often not uniform, having a ‘patchy’ appearance. Melanomas are usually flat to begin with but often become raised as they grow.
The first sign of a melanoma is usually the appearance of a new spot on the skin, or a change in the appearance of an existing mole or freckle. This change is usually in size, shape or colour. It usually occurs over a period of weeks or months, rather than in a few days.
At puberty it is normal for children's moles to change. But usually at this age several moles will change at the same time. If only one mole changes, or one changes faster than others, medical advice should be sought.
Melanoma risk
A number of things put people at increased risk of developing a melanoma.
The most important of these is exposure to the sun, particularly in early childhood. Exposure enough to cause sunburn on more than one occasion can result in a melanoma years later. Also at increased risk are those with fair skin, fair or red hair and blue eyes. Having a family member who has had a melanoma increases your chances of getting one. But it is important to remember that people with none of these risk factors still develop melanomas.
The outlook for those with the problem depends mainly on how thick (deep) the melanoma is. In turn, this mainly relates to how soon they are found. If a melanoma is removed when it is less than 1 mm deep, and there is no spread to the lymph nodes or elsewhere, the chances of cure are more than 95 per cent.
Although melanomas can occur in other parts of the body (including areas not usually exposed to the sun), such as the eye, mouth and intestine, the best way to protect against them is to reduce exposure to the sun.
This means staying indoors, if possible, between 10am and 3pm, and wearing maximum protection sunscreens, protective clothing, broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses when outdoors.
Check your skin regularly and see the doctor if you have any doubt about a new or changing spot on your skin.
Last Reviewed: 07 December 2009
- 1. Melanoma [revised February 2009]. In: eTG complete [Internet]. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; 2009 Nov (Accessed 2009 Dec 11.) http://www.tg.org.au/
2. Australian Cancer Network Melanoma Guidelines Revision Working Party. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of melanoma in Australia and New Zealand. Cancer Council Australia and Australian Cancer Network, Sydney and New Zealand Guidelines Group, Wellington (2008). Available at: http://www.cancer.org.au/File/HealthProfessionals/ClinicalPracticeGuidelines-ManagementofMelanoma.pdf
3. Cancer Council Australia [website]. Melanoma (updated 2009, Oct 29) http://www.cancer.org.au/Healthprofessionals/cancertypes/melanoma.htm (accessed 209, Dec 11)
4. American Cancer Society [website]. Skin cancer - melanoma. How is melanoma staged? (updated 2008, Jun). Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_How_is_melanoma_staged_50.asp (accessed 2009, Dec 14)
