New or changing moles
Melanoma usually appears on the skin as a new spot or growth or a change in an already existing mole. A normal mole is typically even in color, quite small and appears early in life. Most importantly, a normal mole remains the same – it won’t change or evolve. Be sure to also read up about symptoms of internal melanoma, whose symptoms are not always visible on the skin.Symptoms of melanoma – know your ABCDEs
Dermatologists classify melanoma using the ABCDE self-check method. This method shows you which signs to look out for when examining suspicious moles, spots or growths on your skin. If a mole is crusting, bleeding or feeling numb, then it demonstrates signs of melanoma. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, contact a dermatologist immediately.Advanced stages of melanoma
There are four stages of melanoma. In the first two stages, melanoma has not spread or metastasized and is limited to skin growths and ulcerations. In stage three, the melanoma has reached the lymph nodes, and in stage four, it has spread to other organs. At this point, other symptoms of melanoma appear:- Your lymph nodes may be hard or swollen
- Hard lumps may appear in your skin
- You may lose your breath, have chest pain or noisy breathing or have a cough that won’t go away
- You may feel pain in your liver (the right side of your stomach)
- Your bones may feel achy
- Headaches that won’t go away
- Bowel issues or constipation
- You may feel extremely tired and fatigued