Melanoma: How to Spot It, Prevent It, and What to Do

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer but catching it early makes a big difference. Know how your skin normally looks so you notice changes fast. Check your whole body once a month and ask a partner or mirror to see your back, scalp, and between toes.

Watch moles with the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregular, Color that varies, Diameter over 6 mm, and Evolving shape or size. If a spot matches any of these or hurts, itches, bleeds, or crusts, photograph it and make an appointment with a dermatologist. Don’t wait for pain — melanoma can grow without much discomfort.

Risk rises if you have fair skin, lots of moles, a family history of melanoma, many sunburns, or frequent tanning bed use. That doesn’t mean others are safe. People with darker skin can still get melanoma, often in less sun-exposed areas like palms or under nails.

Preventing melanoma is mostly about sun habits. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day on exposed skin, reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating. Wear a wide-brim hat, sun-protective clothing, and sunglasses. Seek shade between 10 am and 4 pm and avoid tanning beds entirely.

If your doctor suspects melanoma they will usually remove the suspicious spot and send tissue to a lab. This biopsy tells how deep the cancer is and guides next steps. Early stage melanoma often needs only a wider surgical removal. Deeper or spreading melanoma may require a sentinel lymph node biopsy, immunotherapy, targeted drugs, or radiation. Treatment choice depends on stage, mutation tests, and overall health.

New treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies have changed outcomes for advanced melanoma. These drugs can work well but also cause side effects like fatigue, skin rashes, or immune-related inflammation of organs. Your care team watches for these problems and treats them quickly.

After treatment, expect regular follow-ups for skin checks and sometimes scans. Keep a record of photos and report any new or returning spots right away. Family members with a history of melanoma should talk with a doctor about more frequent skin exams.

If you find a fast-growing sore, a bleeding mole that won’t stop, or a lump that appears suddenly, seek urgent medical attention. For everyday care, healthy sun habits and monthly skin checks are the most practical steps you can take. Early detection saves lives, so act on changes rather than hoping they’ll go away.

Quick self-check steps

Stand in good light and remove clothing. Use a handheld mirror for hard-to-see spots. Take photos from the same angle every month to track changes. Note new moles or a mole that grows, changes color, bleeds, or becomes painful. If you find anything concerning, save the photos and bring them to your doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor

Ask about biopsy results, stage, treatment options, side effects, and follow-up schedule. Ask about genetic tests and clinical trials as an option.