More About Melanoma

Melanomas can occur anywhere on the skin, but they are more likely to start in certain locations. The trunk (chest and back) is the most common site in men. The legs are the most common site in women. The neck and face are other common sites.

Having a darker skin tone lowers your risk of melanoma at these more common sites, but anyone can develop melanoma on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and under the nails. Melanomas in these areas account for more than half of the cases in African Americans but fewer than one in 10 melanomas in Caucasians.

Melanomas can also form in other parts of your body including the eyes, mouth, genitals, and anal area but these are much more rare than melanoma of the skin.

Melanoma is much less common than basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, but it is far more dangerous. Like basal cell and squamous cell cancers, melanoma is almost always treatable in its early stages. But it is much more likely than basal or squamous cell cancer to spread to other parts of the body if not diagnosed and treated in an early stage.

STATISTICS

  • Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer in females ages 15-29.
    • Melanoma incidence is higher in females than in males in younger age groups, though, fortunately, incidence rates in younger age groups overall have shown declines in recent years.
  • Sunburns during childhood or adolescence can increase the odds of developing melanoma later in life.
    • Experiencing five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases one’s melanoma risk by 80% and non-melanoma skin cancer risk by 68%.

Statistics courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology

MAIN TYPES OF MELANOMA

Superficial spreading melanoma accounts for 70% of melanomas. Typically asymptomatic, it occurs most often on women’s legs and men’s torsos. These lesions are usually irregular and raised with tan or brown areas. They sometimes have red, white, black, and blue spots, or small blue-black nodules. Small indentations in the margins may be visible along with color change.

Nodular melanoma accounts for 15 to 30% of melanomas. Nodular melanoma may occur anywhere on the body as a dark, bulging papule that varies from pearl to gray or black. Some lesions contain little if any pigment or may look like a vascular tumor. They are typically firm and may grow rapidly. Unless it ulcerates, nodular melanoma is often asymptomatic.

Lentigo maligna melanoma accounts for 5% of melanomas. It usually occurs on the face or other areas of chronic sun exposure. Typically, Lentigo Melanoma is a flat, tan or brown, irregularly shaped patch. It may have darker brown or black spots scattered irregularly on its surface.

Acral-lentiginous melanoma accounts for only 2 to 10% of melanomas. Although Acral-lentiginous melanoma is rare in people with lighter skin types, it is the most common type of melanoma in people with darker skin. Acral-lentiginous melanoma is observed on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under the nails and in the oral mucosa. It occurs on non-hair-bearing surfaces of the body which may or may not be exposed to sunlight. It is also found on mucous membranes. It may appear as a longitudinal tan, black, or brown streak on the nail of a finger or toe.

Mucosal melanoma is very rare, accounting for one percent of all melanoma cases. It is not associated with exposure to ultraviolet light and researchers are studying possible underlying causes. Mucosal melanoma always develops internally and starts in the mucus membranes that line certain parts of the body including the head and neck areas, the anus, vulva, vagina, and gastrointestinal tract.

Signs of mucosal melanoma of the head and neck may include nose bleeding, ulcers of the mouth, or a lump in the neck, mouth, or jaw area. If melanoma develops in the anus, it may cause bleeding, pain, constipation, or diarrhea.

Uveal (or Ocular) melanoma is melanoma of the eye. It is the most common eye  cancer in adults. Signs of uveal melanoma may include blurred or changed vision, a dark spot on the eyelid or iris, or a change in the shape of one of the pupils.

CLINICAL TRIALS FOR MELANOMA
OTHER SKIN CANCERS
WHAT'S YOUR RISK FOR MELANOMA?
YOUR GUIDE TO EARLY DETECTION
SKIN CANCER IN PEOPLE OF COLOR
TIPS FOR PREVENTION
A PATIENT'S GUIDE TO IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY