Skin cancer (melanoma)
The first sign of a melanoma is often a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing mole.
Normal Moles are usually round or oval, with a smooth edge, and no bigger than 6mm (1/4 inch) in diameter (see first photo).
See your GP as soon as possible if you notice changes in a mole, freckle or patch of skin, particularly if the changes happen over a few weeks or months (see second photo, below).
Signs to look out for include a mole that's:
TheABCDE checklist should help you tell the difference between a normal mole and a melanoma:
See ABCDE of moles for a visual guide.
Melanomas can appear anywhere on your body, but they most commonly appear on theback in men and on the legs in women. They can also develop underneath a nail,on the sole of the foot, in the mouth, or in the genital areas, but these types of melanoma are rare.
In rare cases, melanoma can develop inthe eye.It develops from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
Eye melanoma usually affects the eyeball. The most common type is uveal or choroidal melanoma, which occurs atthe back of the eye. Very rarely it can occur on the conjunctiva (the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye)or in the iris (the coloured part of the eye).
Noticing a dark spot or changes in vision can be signs of eye melanoma, although it's more likely to bediagnosed during a routine eye examination.
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Read about melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body. The most common sign of melanoma is a new mole or a change to an existing mole.
Read about the signs and symptoms of melanoma. The first sign is often a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing mole.
Read about the causes and risk factors of skin cancer and melanoma.
Find out how melanoma is diagnosed. The process usually begins with a visit to your GP who will examine your skin and decide if you need to see a specialist.
Read about the various treatment options for melanoma. Surgery is the main treatment, but it often depends on your individual circumstances.
Kate was diagnosed with malignant melanoma after a routine check on a mole.