Melanoma is a type of cancer that develops in melanocytes. It usually begins on the skin, but it can originate from other organs such as the eyes, lymph nodes, and brain. In the United States, about 50,000 cases of melanoma are seen every year. Since it appears on the skin, early detection can save lives if one is aware of the condition’s symptoms.

Types of melanoma and its signs

Symptoms
Melanoma is a serious condition that can be fatal if not detected and treated on time. To prevent this look for spots on the skin, a bruise, sore, cyst, or scar that may itch, hurt, fail to heal, bleed or look crusty. The spot may appear shiny, waxy, smooth, or pale. This ABCD method is useful in detecting any unusual skin growth that may be a sign of melanoma.

1. Asymmetry: Moles or spots on the skin are usually symmetrical, but the ones that are not may be cancerous.

2. Border: The border or edges of cancerous growth may be ragged, notched, or blurred.

3. Color: Cancerous spots or moles are of uneven shades and colors like black, brown, tan, white, or blue.

4. Diameter: Abnormal spots may be tiny at first may increase in diameter. If the mole becomes one-quarter of an inch it may be cancerous.

5. Evolving: The ever-changing or evolving spot every one or two weeks may be a sign of melanoma.

Types
Most melanoma spots commonly appear on the part of the skin that is exposed to the sun. However, they can also appear on the neck, face, groin area, or fingernails. The most common types of melanoma are:

1. Superficial spreading melanoma
The spots of this cancer type have elevated or irregular borders and may often be black or pink in color. This is the most common type and usually appears on the limbs.

2. Nodular melanoma
This is the second common type and is quite aggressive. It is usually spotted on the head or neck and spreads quickly. The spots or moles may appear blue-black in color.

3. Acral-lentiginous melanoma
This is a common type among dark-skinned individuals. According to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, acral-lentiginous melanoma appears in 70 percent African Americans and 46 percent Asians.

4. Lentigo maligna
Cancerous spots usually occur on the parts that are exposed to the sun continuously. They may appear the size of a small pimple but gradually develop into a cancerous growth.

5. Amelanotic and desmoplastic melanoma
These are rare forms of melanoma that are difficult to detect. In this type of melanoma, the signs are usually colorless or light-colored spots while desmoplastic spots may appear on the head or neck.

6. Ocular melanoma
Melanocytes are responsible for giving color to the eyes. According to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation, about 3 percent of all melanoma cases are of this type.