Melanoma is the name given to the most serious type of skin cancer; it can spread quickly and it can be fatal
If it is diagnosed early then treatment (surgery or anti-cancer drugs) can be highly effective, but if melanoma spreads to other organs in the body prognosis is poor. There are other types of skin cancer, but melanoma accounts for 80% of deaths from skin cancer.
There are several types of melanoma. In order of frequency of occurrence and starting with the most common:
1. Superficial Spreading Melanoma
These make up the majority of cases of melanoma and are most commonly found on people in their fifties and older. These are the easiest types of melanoma to treat simply because they grow outwards before they grow inwards: so, thankfully, most people notice the change in their skin and seek medical help early.
2. Nodular Melanoma
These melanomas develop fast and are usually found on the chest or back. Unlike the superficial spreading melanomas, these nodular melanomas grow into the skin, though the surface of the melanoma is often slightly raised. They are usually dark in colour and tend to appear on areas of skin that have not had much exposure to the sun. Sometimes they start in an existing mole, but sometimes they appear on an otherwise ‘normal’ patch of skin. This is why it is so important to be aware of where your moles are and what they look like. Some people draw a ‘mole map’ of their bodies, indicating the location and approximate size of their moles.
3. Lentigno Maligna Melanoma
These are much less common than the two types of melanoma listed above but still account for around 10% of melanomas. They are most commonly found on the skin of elderly people and start to develop from slow growing ‘freckles’. They are usually found on skin that receives a lot of exposure to the sun – the face, arms and hands, for instance. They are flat and spread over the skin so that they their diameters get gradually larger over time. If left untreated, these develop into melanomas that grow into the deeper levels of skin.
4. Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
These and a few other rare types of melanoma account for very few cases of melanoma. Usually found on the soles of the feet, under the nails of the fingers or toes or on the palms of the hands. These are most commonly found amongst people with dark skin tones.
Melanoma needs to be detected early and treated promptly to maximise the chances of recovery and survival. Always see a doctor if you develop any lump, discolouration or swelling on your skin or if any freckle or mole changes.
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