Symptoms of Melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant skin cancer, and early detection of its symptoms is crucial for effective treatment. This cancer typically originates from melanocytes in the skin and may manifest as new growths or abnormal changes in existing moles. If not diagnosed early, melanoma can rapidly spread to lymph nodes or internal organs, leading to severe consequences. Therefore, understanding its characteristic symptoms is key to prevention and treatment.

Most symptoms of melanoma are related to skin lesions, but their presentation varies significantly at different stages. Early symptoms may only involve subtle changes in moles, while advanced stages may be accompanied by systemic symptoms. Patients should pay close attention to abnormal changes in the shape, color, or size of new growths or existing moles on the skin, especially if accompanied by itching, pain, or bleeding, which warrants increased vigilance.

Early Symptoms and Signs

Early symptoms of melanoma are often mistaken for normal mole changes, so careful observation of the "ABCDE" features is necessary:

• A (Asymmetry): The two halves of the mole are asymmetrical, commonly seen in malignant lesions.
• B (Border): The edges are blurred, irregular, or jagged.
• C (Color): The lesion displays multiple colors, such as black, brown, red, or white, within the same area.
• D (Diameter): The diameter exceeds 6 millimeters or enlarges rapidly over a short period.
• E (Evolution): The shape, color, or size changes significantly over weeks to months.

Additionally, early lesions may be accompanied by mild symptoms such as a gritty sensation when touched or the appearance of scaly protrusions on the surface. Some patients may experience occasional itching at the lesion site, but such symptoms are often overlooked and should be combined with visual observation.

Common Symptoms

Changes on the Skin Surface

The most common symptom of melanoma is obvious abnormality on the skin surface. Lesions are usually found in UV-exposed areas such as limbs, back, or face. Common visual features include:

• Irregular, jagged edges contrasting with the smooth borders of normal moles.
• Uneven coloration, possibly showing patches of dark, blue, red, or white hues.
• Lesions larger than 6 millimeters in diameter or rapidly enlarging in a short period.

Some cases may show surface ulceration or bleeding, especially after scratching or friction. These signs can resemble benign moles or skin inflammation, requiring professional diagnosis.

Associated Physiological Reactions

In addition to visual changes, melanoma may trigger local tissue reactions, including:

• Persistent itching or burning sensation at the lesion, possibly with mild swelling.
• Hardening felt upon touch, with clear boundaries from surrounding tissue.
• Ulceration that forms non-healing wounds, which may ooze tissue fluid or blood discharge.

Although these symptoms are not specific indicators, they contrast sharply with the stability of benign moles and should be regarded as warning signals. Some patients may delay seeking medical attention due to mild symptoms, increasing treatment difficulty.

Disease Progression and Symptom Changes

Local Lesion Deterioration

As melanoma advances, the lesion may rapidly enlarge and invade surrounding tissues. Symptoms at this stage may include:

• Rapid increase in lesion diameter within a short period, with more blurred and irregular edges.
• Expansion and recurrent ulceration of the ulcerated area, forming a persistent non-healing wound.
• Hard lumps around the lesion, with increased pain upon pressure.

This stage may be accompanied by regional lymph node enlargement, especially near limb lesions, with palpable displaced hard nodes indicating possible metastasis.

Distant Metastatic Symptoms

When melanoma metastasizes to internal organs or distant sites, symptoms become more complex:

• Lung metastasis may cause persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
• Brain metastasis may lead to headaches, blurred vision, or neurological deficits.
• Liver metastasis may cause abdominal distension, jaundice, or liver area tenderness.

Systemic symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or bone pain may indicate widespread metastasis. Symptoms at this stage are often unrelated to the primary site and require imaging studies to confirm metastatic pathways.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• The shape, color, or size of an existing mole changes significantly over weeks.
• The skin lesion is accompanied by persistent itching, pain, or bleeding.
• Swollen lymph nodes around the lesion are tender.

It is recommended to perform monthly self-skin examinations using a mirror to check areas difficult to see. If a lesion meets the "ABCDE" criteria, even without obvious discomfort, early consultation is advised. Early diagnosis increases the success rate of surgical excision and prevents cancer cells from spreading to deeper tissues or lymphatic systems.

High-risk groups (such as those with multiple sunburns or a family history) should undergo professional skin examinations every 3-6 months. Even if symptoms seem mild, professional inspection and biopsy are key to diagnosis; do not self-diagnose as common skin issues and delay treatment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to distinguish between normal moles and melanoma features?

Observe using the "ABCDE" rule: A (Asymmetry) – abnormal moles are often asymmetrical; B (Border) – irregular or blurred edges; C (Color) – uneven coloration with multiple shades; D (Diameter) – larger than 6 millimeters warrants attention; E (Evolution) – rapid changes in shape, size, or color over a short period. If these features are present, seek medical examination immediately.

What should be done immediately after discovering a suspicious melanoma lesion?

Avoid scratching or injuring the lesion, and record any changes in size or shape. Seek medical attention promptly for dermoscopy or biopsy. Early diagnosis can improve treatment success. Do not delay diagnosis due to painless lesions.

What daily care should be taken after melanoma treatment?

Follow medical instructions for wound care, avoid direct sunlight on the surgical site, and regularly check for signs of recurrence. Patients should perform daily self-examinations and avoid chemical tanning products to prevent skin irritation.

What specific sun protection measures are recommended to prevent melanoma?

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapply every two hours, and combine with physical barriers such as wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved clothing. Avoid strong sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and seek shade during outdoor activities.

What are the advanced current treatments for melanoma?

Besides surgical excision, immunotherapy (such as PD-1 inhibitors) and targeted therapy (for genetic mutations) are used to slow progression. Early-stage lesions can be precisely removed with Mohs surgery; advanced metastatic cases may combine chemotherapy and immunotherapy to improve survival rates.