Melanoma is a type of cancer developing in the skin cells that are responsible for producing melanin; it is one of the most serious types of cancer. To effectively treat melanoma, the condition must get detected in the early stages. Most of the early signs can be observed in the skin areas that are most exposed to the sun. Here are some early signs to watch out for when suspecting melanoma.

The first thing to do when looking for signs of melanoma is to track any new spots or moles that appear on the skin. These symptoms can be analyzed by using the letters ABCDE to remember them.

Asymmetry
The new spots or moles that appear on the skin in cases of melanoma are usually asymmetrical.

Border
The spots that appear on the skin of a melanoma patient usually seem to have uneven borders with notches and serrations

Color

If you notice that the spots appearing on your skin are of several different colors instead of them all being just one single color, it is a major warning sign pointing toward melanoma.

Diameter or shade

Larger spots or moles that each take up over a quarter-inch of space on your skin may signify melanoma. In color, these spots may be darker than usual.

Evolving

If these spots change in appearance over time and start to look larger or elevated, it is a warning sign of melanoma. They can also begin to cause some itching or bleeding.

For people with darker skin, the signs of melanoma may develop in hidden areas. Listed below are some signs of hidden melanoma.

Melanoma under nails

A melanoma that occurs under a fingernail or toenail is known as Acral-lentiginous melanoma and is very rare to find. More commonly found in people with darker skin, this condition is sometimes observed on the inner side of your palms or the inner arches of the feet.

Melanoma inside the body
The condition in which the signs of melanoma start developing in the mucous membrane of internal organs, such as the digestive tract or the urinary tract, is termed Mucosal melanoma.

Melanoma in the eye

When melanoma develops in the eye, it can alter your sense of vision quite a bit. These melanomas develop in the part under the whites of your eye, which is also known as the uvea. Such melanomas are called eye melanomas or ocular melanomas.

Other early signs of melanoma may include longlasting sores on the skin, redness or swelling around an existing mole, blurring vision, or dark spots on the iris. A person can start showing signs of melanoma because of various reasons, including exposure to UV rays from the sun and tanning beds, genetic factors, and other environmental factors. However, the exact cause of melanoma can not be pinpointed just yet.