Melanoma is a serious skin disease that can occur on people’s skin, eyes, internal organs and mucous membranes. Understanding the signs and symptoms of melanoma is crucial to early detection and treatment of the disease. Here\’s a look at the symptoms of melanoma:
1. Skin color changes: One of the most common symptoms of melanoma is a change in color on the skin. Melanoma may appear as a patch or mole that is black, brown, or multiple colors. These plaques often have ill-defined borders and can vary in size, shape, and color.
2. Abnormal moles: Melanoma can form on originally normal moles, or in areas where there were no moles before. These moles may have an unusual shape, color, or size, and they may be itchy, painful, bleed, discharge, or violently shed.
3. Changes in skin texture: Melanoma may cause textural changes in the skin, such as unevenness, roughness, or erosion of the skin surface. The skin may develop sores or rashes, which may be accompanied by itching, pain, or burning.
4. Visual changes: Melanoma can affect the eyes and cause visual changes. For example, melanoma may cause blurred vision, eye redness, eye pain, or nystagmus. If melanoma spreads to the back of the eye, it can cause serious complications such as retinal detachment or retinal hemorrhage.
5. Swollen lymph nodes: The presence of melanoma may cause swelling of nearby lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes are usually the body\’s response to the spread of melanoma, but can also be a symptom of other conditions. If you notice swollen lymph nodes that persist, seek medical attention promptly.
6. Growth or changing lesions: Melanoma usually appears as skin lesions, which may enlarge or change shape. You may observe rapid growth, changes in borders, changes in color, or changes in shape of the lesions. If you notice these changes, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
7. Unusual bleeding or discharge: Melanoma lesions may have unusual bleeding or discharge. If you have severe bleeding from melanoma, persistent discharge, or a smelly discharge, you should seek immediate medical attention.
If you notice any of the above symptoms in yourself or others, especially any changes in lesions or moles, it is recommended to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of melanoma can greatly improve cure and survival rates. It should be noted that these symptoms and signs are not necessarily manifestations of melanoma, but any suspicious symptoms should attract sufficient attention and seek medical treatment. Only through a doctor\’s diagnosis can you determine whether you have melanoma. Remember, regular skin self-exams and regular skin exams are important to detect melanoma early.
