Signs and symptoms of melanoma

Melanoma is a cancer that usually starts in the skin. A change in the shape, colour or size of a mole is usually the first sign of melanoma. A melanoma can start either:

• as a new mole
• in a mole you already have.

Most melanomas start with a new, abnormal-looking mole on your skin. This usually looks like a dark area, although melanomas can have more than one colour. Other melanomas develop from a mole you already have that changes over weeks or months.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a melanoma and a normal mole. With moles or other skin changes, it is a good idea to learn to recognise any new or changing areas on your skin. This helps you to recognise what is sometimes called the ‘ugly duckling’ sign. This is a mole that stands out because it looks different to other moles. Always ask your GP to check anything that looks different or unusual.

The ABCDE check list explains what to look for when checking moles or other skin changes.

The edges around a melanoma (border) are more likely to be uneven, irregular or jagged. Ordinary moles usually have a clear, smooth-edged border.

Melanoma with irregular border

Melanomas are usually more than 6mm wide. Normal moles are usually about the size of the blunt end of a pencil, or smaller.

If you have lots of large moles, some of them may be larger than 5mm in diameter. These are likely to have been there for years without changing. But it is recommended that people with lots of moles or bigger moles get them checked by a dermatologist. This is important if you have had changes to moles in the past.

If you have black or brown skin, it can be harder to see the signs of melanoma. Black and Asian people have a lower risk of melanoma. But this does not mean you have no risk. It is still important to be aware of skin changes that may be linked to a skin cancer.

Acral lentiginous melanoma is an uncommon type of melanoma. But it is more common in Black and Asian people. It usually develops in areas of skin that get little sun exposure, such as:

• the palms of the hands
• soles of the feet
• nail areas, for example under the fingernails or toenails.

Look for anything new, changing or unusual on both sun-exposed and sun-protected areas of the body.

Checking your skin is very important. Early melanoma is usually cured with treatment. If you have any possible signs or symptoms of melanoma or other skin cancer, see your GP straight away.

By regularly checking your skin, you get to know where your moles, birth marks, and other marks are. This gets easier as you become more familiar with your skin and what your moles normally look like. You will then notice any changes or new signs or symptoms.

Here are some tips:

• use the ABCDE guide to help you
• a good time to check could be after a shower or bath
• make sure you have plenty of light
• use a full-length mirror and a small handheld mirror for hard-to-see areas
• ask a relative or friend to check your back, neck and other hard-to-see areas
• check areas that are not exposed to the sun, such as genitals, fingernails, toenails, palms of hands and soles of feet
• use a comb or a blow dryer to move your hair so that you can see better when checking your scalp
• keep notes or take pictures of your moles so you can notice changes quickly.

We understand that showing any symptoms of what could be melanoma is worrying. The most important thing is to speak to your GP as soon as possible. We're also here if you need someone to talk to. You can:

• Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
• Chat to our specialists online.