Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, Melanoma accounts for about 1-percent of skin cancers, but is responsible for a large number of skin cancer deaths. The estimates for melanoma in the U.S. for 2020 are about 100,350 new melanomas will be diagnosed and about 6,850 people are expected to die of melanoma.
Melanoma is cancer of the pigment producing cells in our skin, eyes, and hair. It can be fatal as unlike the common skin cancers, such as basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, melanoma are more likely to spread (or metastasize) to other areas of the body — such as the blood vessels or lymphatic system. Melanoma usually presents as atypical mole, but if left untreated will metastasize and cause systemic symptoms, including these 6…
Changes in Skin Shape, Color or Texture
In the earliest stages, melanomas tend to appear as a new skin growth that alters the shape, color, or texture of unblemished skin (i.e., a bruise-like mark or wart that won’t heal or a dark streak under a toenail). These changes can take place quickly within weeks or gradually change over months.