Melanoma explained

• Melanoma starts from the melanocytes, the cells in the skin that produce melanin, the skin pigment or colour.
• Melanocytes are the cause of freckles and moles on the skin and produce the brown colour of a suntan.
• Melanoma grows quickly. If it is not treated, it may spread to the lower layer of skin, where cancer cells can escape and be carried to other parts of the body or lymph vessels.

 

Where melanoma occurs

• Anywhere on the skin, even on the soles of the feet.
• In the eye, nervous system and mucous membranes (e.g. lining of the mouth and nasal passages). These types of melanoma are rare.

Types of melanoma

• Superficial spreading melanoma: Grows initially in the top layer of the skin (epidermis). Becomes dangerous when it invades downward into the lower layer of the skin (dermis). Dark brown or black in colour.


• Nodular melanoma: Often very dark brownish black or black in colour but can be pink or red. Forms a raised lump on the surface of the skin as it invades deeper into the skin.


• Acral lentiginous melanoma: Most commonly found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet or under the nails. More common in people with darker skin.
  
  
• Lentigo maligna melanoma: Begins as a large freckle in an area of skin that get a lot of sun exposure, such as the face and upper body. May grow slowly and superficially over many years, later forming lumps as it grows deeper into the skin.