Early symptoms of skin melanoma

Common early symptoms of skin melanoma include abnormal shapes, colors, and sizes of moles or skin patches, such as asymmetry, irregular edges, uneven colors, or rapid growth. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible to get a clear diagnosis and take appropriate treatment measures. Early detection and timely treatment are the key to controlling the disease.

1. Abnormal shape and edge of the mole

Early signs of skin melanoma are often asymmetric and with irregular edges. Healthy moles usually have regular shapes, but melanomas may be large on one side and small on the other, or have blurred edges. In daily life, you can follow the "ABCD" rule: A stands for asymmetry, and B stands for irregular edges. If you find a mole on your body that meets these characteristics, you must go to a dermatologist in time.

2. Mole color changes

The color of moles with early melanoma may become darker or lighter, and some may appear in multiple colors such as brown, black or red, and may even have blue or gray. Uneven distribution of color within the same mole is a typical danger sign. Normal moles are usually more uniform in color. Moles that change need special attention and relevant examinations should be carried out as soon as possible.

3. Rapid enlargement of skin moles/plaques

If certain moles or patches on the skin suddenly grow larger in a short period of time, for example, their diameter exceeds about 6 mm, this is a common early sign of skin melanoma. If accompanied by symptoms such as hardening of the texture, smooth surface, bleeding, itching, ulceration, etc., it may indicate a more serious condition and it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately.

4. Pain, itching or bleeding

Early melanoma is occasionally accompanied by discomfort such as itching or pain. Some people may find slight bleeding when cleaning these abnormal moles. This phenomenon also needs to be taken seriously. The doctor should be informed of the symptoms as soon as possible so that accurate examination can be carried out.

5. Abnormal changes in the surrounding skin

In addition to changes in the mole itself, early skin melanoma may also cause slight redness, swelling, darkening, or abnormal texture of the surrounding skin. For example, the skin around the mole may appear more fragile or sensitive than other parts, accompanied by symptoms such as inflammation.

Early detection and treatment of skin melanoma greatly affect the treatment effect and patient survival rate. If you find skin abnormalities, consult as soon as possible and do not delay the treatment. If the doctor suspects that there is a risk of malignancy at the initial diagnosis, further confirmation may be carried out by skin biopsy, imaging examination and other means. Once diagnosed, surgical resection, immunotherapy or targeted therapy can be selected according to the condition in the early stage. Regular self-examination of skin changes and daily sun protection can effectively reduce the risk of disease.