What are the early symptoms of melanoma?

Generally, the early symptoms of melanoma mainly include changes in the color of moles, irregular shapes, unclear borders, increased size, and surface elevation. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to promptly visit a qualified hospital for examination. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Color Change in Moles

Melanoma is caused by the abnormal proliferation of melanocytes, which can lead to changes in the color of existing moles. The color may darken or display a mixture of black, brown, red, white, and other hues. This color change results from uneven pigment secretion by abnormal melanocytes, disrupting the original uniformity of the mole's color.

2. Irregular Shape

Normal moles are usually round or oval and symmetrical. In the early stages of melanoma, uncontrolled abnormal cell growth can cause moles to become irregular in shape, with uneven edges or noticeable differences between one side and the other, clearly differing from the symmetrical appearance of normal moles.

3. Unclear Borders

Normal moles have clear borders distinctly separated from the surrounding skin. In early melanoma, abnormal cells infiltrate into surrounding tissues, causing the mole's borders to blur, appearing jagged, map-like, or irregular, making it difficult to distinguish the boundary between the lesion and normal skin.

4. Increased Size

As melanoma cells continue to proliferate, existing moles or newly developed spots may gradually enlarge. Generally, if a mole's diameter exceeds 6 millimeters or significantly increases in a short period, melanoma should be suspected, as this indicates the expansion of lesions due to abnormal cell proliferation.

5. Surface Elevation

Normal moles are usually flat or slightly raised with a smooth surface. In the early stages of melanoma, the lesion may show noticeable elevation due to cell accumulation, with the surface possibly becoming rough and uneven. Some may also experience flaking or exudation, differing from the smooth and flat surface of normal moles.

In addition, some patients may experience symptoms such as itching, pain, ulceration, or bleeding of the mole. If any of the above symptoms appear, it is important to avoid repeated friction or irritation of the lesion, practice proper sun protection, and regularly monitor changes in skin moles. Seek timely medical consultation for dermatoscopic or other examinations upon noticing any abnormalities to prevent delays in treatment.