Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that forms from a skin cell called a melanocyte. Occasionally, regular moles containing melanocyte turn cancerous, and the result is a change in the appearance of the mole.

Many people are unaware that melanoma is a common cancer in younger adults. It is the most common cancer in women aged 25 to 29, and the most common type of cancer in men aged 25 to 44. Melanoma can strike adults in the prime of their life, and may start with an innocent-appearing mole.

Dermatologists often recommend the ABCD method for detecting melanoma. These letters are easy to remember, and stand for the following:

A-asymmetry-Asymmetry simply means that one side of the mole appears different from the other. If you were to cut the mole equally in half, the two sides would not match up.

B- borders- The edges of a melanoma are usually irregular, jagged, or scalloped in appearance. Melanomas are not usually perfectly round.

C- colour- Red, white, blue, and black are some of the shades that a melanoma might turn, as opposed to the usual brown coloration of many normal moles.

D- diameter- The old rule of thumb used to be that if a mole grew larger than a pencil eraser, it should be removed. However, any mole that is changing in any form should be examined and possibly removed.

Everyone is at risk for melanoma, but your risk may be higher if you have suffered frequent sunburn, have more than 100 normal moles or several unusual moles, have blond or red hair, blue eyes, and fair skin, have already had a melanoma, or have a family history of melanoma.

Melanoma often spreads from the skin to the lymph nodes, where it may cause a lump. Another sign to watch for is persistent itching of an area of skin or lesion. You should check your skin monthly for any changes in moles or other lesions. Use a mirror to visualize tricky areas. Better yet, enlist another person to help you check your skin, being sure not to miss the scalp, a common area for melanoma. Make a monthly routine of checking your skin, and visit your doctor if you notice any changes in a mole.

Related Links:

Video: Understanding Melanoma from illumistream

Melanoma: What it Looks Like

Melanoma from the National Cancer Institute