Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects the melanocytes of the skin. These are cells that produce melanin pigments. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be about 106,110 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the country in 2021. Here are the types and signs of melanoma that you should know about.

Common signs of melanoma

1. Change in the shape and size of moles
Normal moles, once they appear, remain the same and don’t change much in size and shape. Moles that are signs of melanoma keep changing in shape and size. You have to observe when a mole suddenly appears and keeps getting bigger.

2. Changes in the border of moles
If you can spot blurred, ragged, or irregular borders on moles, then those have to be considered as signs of melanoma too.

3. Red and itchy skin
An abnormal itch and redness in the skin, especially around the moles, have to be considered as one of the signs that might point to melanoma.

4. Changes in the texture of moles
If moles turn bumpy, scaly, or lumpy, or if moles start bleeding, then do make an appointment with your doctor and get this checked.

Types of melanoma

1. Superficial spreading melanoma
In the list of  types and signs of melanoma,  superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type of all. This grows on the outer surface of the skin and is characterized by moles with irregular borders. The borders may be pink, black, or brown in color.

2. Acral-lentiginous melanoma
This is one of the common types of cancer in people with darker skin tone. It is commonly found in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. For some people, melanoma growth is also seen under the nails.

3. Nodular melanoma
Though nodular melanoma grows in the outer layers of the skin, it quickly penetrates into the deeper layers.   This type of cancer appears as a bump or a new growth in the skin.

4. Lentigo maligna melanoma
People who are mostly exposed to the sun develop this type of cancer. This cancer is found in the legs, face, neck, and arms. This risk of cancer increases as a person ages and is commonly found in the dry and sunny regions of the country like Hawaii.

5. Ocular melanoma
Melanoma can occur in the eyes, and this rare condition is called ocular melanoma. In the country, about 2000 adults are diagnosed with this condition every year. For people older than 50 years, the risk increases.

Knowing the list of types and signs of melanoma will help you understand this condition better. If you suspect and experience any of the above signs of skin cancer, get yourself checked right away.