Melanoma is a serious form of cancer that arises when the pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes), start to grow out of control. The initial visible signs may display as a mole or lesion that grows, changes shape, or colour.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, you may be wondering how this has happened, or why it has happened to you. In this informative and straightforward video, Dr Elaine Vickers explains how melanoma skin cancer occurs to help you better understand your diagnosis. This video also explains how melanoma differs from basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
* Cancer Research UK stats – Date ranges 2013 -2018. See references
** Cancer registration statistics, England: final release, 2018.
Published 29 May 2020.
86% of melanomas are preventable (CRUK)
Excess exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which comes from the sun, or sun beds, has been identified by researchers as the primary risk factor for developing melanoma. The back, head and neck or legs are the common locations for a lesion.
In addition, an individual’s likelihood of developing melanoma can also be influenced by many other factors, including:
The two most common signs of melanoma skin cancer are:
If you have an early-stage melanoma (stage 1 or 2 melanoma), you are unlikely to feel unwell or have any additional symptoms other than the appearance of your mole or lesion. Contact your GP if you notice any changes or new lesions as most melanomas can be cured if caught at an early stage. If diagnosed with a later stage melanoma (stage 3 or 4) you may experience other symptoms.
There are several types of melanoma. These include skin or cutaneous superficial spreading melanoma – which is the most common form in the UK. Other forms of melanoma include nodular, lentigo maligna, amelanotic, acral lentiginous melanoma and rare melanomas such as uveal (eye) and mucosal melanomas.
