Symptoms and Complications
Melanoma is a visible kind of cancer, unlike others that start inside
the body (such as breast
cancer or prostate
cancer). The changes melanoma causes are often apparent. What's important
is to recognize the signs and have a doctor check any suspicious moles.
A changing mole doesn't necessarily mean cancer, but it certainly needs
looking at. A new mole on previously clear skin is equally significant.
See a dermatologist or your doctor about any of the following changes:
- a mole's border becomes ragged or indistinct, or pigment (coloring) seeps
into neighboring skin
- a mole grows, changes color, becomes raised from the skin, or develops
small irregular bumps or crags
- a mole becomes hard, crusty, or irritated, or is bleeding
- an ulcer or cut doesn't heal after a month
- black spots under the base of the nails
- any new growth or patch of abnormal color on the skin