Melanoma is one of the most severe types of skin cancer. It develops in the melanocytes – the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its natural hue. Melanoma can develop in the face and eyes, or even inside the body in the throat or nose. Here, we shall discuss the prevalent types and signs of melanoma.

Types of melanoma
There are four kinds of melanoma, as follows:

1. Superficial spreading melanoma
This is the most common kind and is seen in the limbs or the trunk. In this case, the cells grow gradually in the beginning before spreading across the skin.

2. Nodular melanoma
This kind of melanoma appears on the head, neck, or trunk. It grows faster than the others and is one of the most aggressive variants. It usually has a blue-black or reddish appearance.

3. Lentigo maligna melanoma
This type is more prevalent in older adults and appears mainly on the skin surface most exposed to the sun, primarily the face. It usually develops as Hutchinson’s freckle, which seems like a stain on the skin. It progresses gradually and is less severe than the other kinds of melanoma.

4. Acral lentiginous melanoma
This is the rarest form of melanoma and develops on the feet’s soles and the palms of the hands. At times, it may also develop in the nails. It is most common in people with darker skin.

Signs of melanoma
The appearance of a mole on the skin is the first sign of melanoma. Over time, the mole changes in shape, color, size, or feel. The changes may develop in the existing moles or might show as a new mole. When melanoma develops in an existing mole, the mole’s texture might change, and it may seem lumpy or hard. It may be followed by skin lesions that feel different and might bleed, ooze, or itch.

Here is the ABCDE rule to remember the melanoma symptoms and warning signs:

• Asymmetry (A): the shape of one half of the mole may not be the same as the other half.
• Border (B):  the mole’s border may seem uneven, notched, ragged, or blurred.
• Color (C):  the moles may be brown, black, and tan hues. Further, one may see some red, white, blue, or gray areas in the moles.
• Diameter (D):  the moles usually have a diameter larger than six millimeters. They are generally smaller at first and begin to grow over time.
• Evolving (E):  the moles tend to evolve in size, color, appearance, or shape.

Knowing the above types and signs of melanoma can help people diagnose the condition on time and seek appropriate medical attention. Like most cancers, melanoma is treated through medication, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.