Malignant Cancerous Moles, What are the Signs, Detection, Symptoms and Cures of Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. It is also known as malignant melanoma skin cancer. In this hub, you'll learn how to distinguish a malignant mole and know the signs and symptoms of malignant moles and its treatment.

Almost everyone has moles. I honestly don’t know anyone without a mole in his body. Some people even have them like little stars scattered all over their skin. As we notice, moles are different. Some are brown, black or reddish. Some are flat, round while others are roughly raised and wrinkled. As we notice, too our moles are changing and evolving as we grow up. And we, all must know by now that certain moles and mole like skins are cancerous and can be malignant. And as what everyone always says ‘prevention is better than cure’, all of us must be cautious and be more watchful in observing and checking our skins particularly moles to know the earliest time if we have malignant mole or malignant melanoma skin cancer.

Why early detection is quite important? The early discovery of having a cancerous mole is always better because one, it can be one hundred percent curable; two, it will be stopped from spreading and three, you will avoid the most serious and most dangerous form of skin cancer that causes high number of deaths.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that originates in melanocytes, the cells which produce the pigment melanin that colors our skin, hair, and eyes. The majority of melanomas are black or brown. However, some melanomas are skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue or white according to Skin Cancer Foundation. Melanoma diagnosis cases are more common in Caucasian populations living in sunny climates or in those who use tanning salons. So regulate your tanning sessions folks. According to a World Health Organization, report about 48,000 melanoma related deaths occur worldwide per year. Whoa, this kind of skin cancer is that deadly huh. Melanoma is just one from the kinds of skin cancer. The other types of skin cancer are listed below.

Different types of skin cancer: There are three common kinds of skin cancer.

• Basal cell cancer - are present on sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially the face. These type of skin cancer cells are quickly treated by skin surgery or radiation.

• Squamous cell cancer – are commonly present as a red, crusted, or scaly patches.

• Malignant melanoma – are deadly once spread, also referred from cancerous moles and is discussed in this article.

So who are prone to melanoma and what causes this kind of deadly skin cancer? Is everyone at risk?

Studies show that there are a higher percentage of men who are reportedly diagnosed with cancer of the mole (melanoma) than that of the number of women. Also white people with fairer skins and those who live in sunny states have higher risk. Heredity is also a big factor. A person with a first-degree relative diagnosed with melanoma has a 50 percent greater chance of developing the skin cancer. If you had the other types of skin cancer before, you are more likely to develop melanoma. Studies show also that if someone had breast cancer, it raises the chance of getting melanoma. Exposure to UV rays and radiation of course can cause any type of cancer. And the more moles you have, the more chance of risk of for melanoma.

How to avoid melanoma

• Avoid over-exposure to the sun and when you need to, apply sunblocks. Avoid getting sunburns and getting tanned especially using a tanning booth or tanning bed, since it increases your exposure to UV rays and radiation.

• Eat more healthy foods such as fruits and veggies to have a strong resistance and strong immune system.

• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancerous moles and skin cancer. Early detection can save you and can prevent getting a malignant melanoma. Know the melanoma warnings, signs and skin cancer facts because knowing is the best prevention of skin cancer.

Treatment and cure of melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer

Melanoma is 100 percent curable if it is detected early. If you have the symptoms of melanoma, it is best to undergo skin examination with a doctor specializing with the skin. If the doctor finds your mole so suspicious and abnormal, you will then undergo a biopsy or skin cancer lesion so the pathologist can examine if the tissue has cancerous cells. If the pathologist found it malignant, it is best to suggest having a second biopsy examination because melanoma is a serious skin cancer and is so hard to diagnose. See the complete treatment procedure and stages of melanoma treatment in the National Cancer Institute

How would you know if a mole is benign or malignant from cancer? Majority of moles in the skin are not harmful and dangerous however one must be alert to observe strange appearance and changes because a normal mole at birth may develop into a cancerous mole and become malignant in the days. Even if you won’t see a sign of a cancerous mole, it is still best to consult a skin doctor and specialist to surely detect one and avoid the risks of skin cancer. Remember, the more moles you have on your body, the greater risk for melanoma. Below are the warnings and signs of cancerous moles and having a melanoma.

• The existing mole changes in color. A sign of skin cancer is detected when you notice your mole or wart is having different colors, like from brown to light brown or tan or black, actually combination of all.

• The existing mole changes in size and shape. This includes the border and diameter of the mole. If the border changes and becomes irregular it’s a sign. If the diameter is expanding and enlarging, it’s a warning of melanoma. Melanomas usually are larger in diameter than the size of the eraser of a pencil (1/4 inch or 6 mm).

• The mole is evolving. All in all if the mole is changing in appearance from time to time, in shape, size, color, texture, and any symptom such as itching, bleeding and crusting, it has a higher risk to melanoma.

To sum up and easily remember the signs whether the mole is cancerous, remember the ABCDE warnings of recognizing melanoma.

A – asymmetry

B - border

C - color

D - diameter

E - evolving