Melanoma: the facts

Melanoma is a potentially serious type of skin cancer. It occurs when the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin grow unchecked. Non-cancerous growths of melanocytes are known as moles or freckles.

Unlike many other types of cancer, melanoma often occurs in young and middle aged adults. It is the fourth most common cancer in Ireland. The number of cases of melanoma and the number of deaths from melanoma have been increasing in Ireland over the last 20 years.

Fortunately, melanoma can be completely cured if it is identified and removed early. You can reduce your risk of melanoma by seeing your doctor if you find a suspicious growth on your skin, and by avoiding excessive sun exposure and sunburns.

What does a melanoma look like?

Most melanomas appear on apparently normal looking skin. Others arise from a pre-existing mole or freckle which grows or changes in appearance. Some melanomas are itchy, painful or may bleed.

Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that are protected from the sun. The commonest site for melanoma in women is the lower leg. For men, the commonest site is the back.

A handy way to remember what melanoma looks like is the ‘ABCDE’ mnemonic. Melanomas tend to:

• be Asymmetrical
• have an irregular Border
• have multiple Colours
• have a Diameter greater than 6mm
• Evolve, enlarge or change

However, not all melanomas have these features, and some growths with these features are not melanoma. If you are concerned about a skin growth, you should always see your GP or Dermatologist.

Risk factors for melanoma

You may be at increased risk of melanoma if you have:

• pale skin that burns easily
• many moles
• multiple large or unusual moles
• previous skin cancers
• a family history of melanoma
• had severe sunburns in the past, especially with blisters and particularly during childhood
• used tanning booths

Preventing melanoma

The best way to prevent melanoma is to avoid tanning booths/sunbeds and protect yourself from the sun. It is particularly important to avoid intense sun exposure and sunburns, for example when on sunny overseas holidays.

You can also protect yourself by regularly checking your own skin (ask a family member or friend to help you check your back) and by seeking early medical attention if you notice any suspicious growth.

Treatment and prognosis

If your doctor is concerned about a particular growth, they will remove it and send it for testing. If you are subsequently diagnosed with melanoma, you will usually need further surgery. If a melanoma is diagnosed early enough, it can be completely cured with simple surgery alone.

If a melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, the prognosis is worse. There are many new treatments available for advanced melanoma, however they do not always work and are usually not curative.  It is therefore important that melanoma is treated promptly, before it spreads.

Anyone diagnosed with melanoma will need follow up because there is a risk of the melanoma recurring, as well as an increased likelihood of developing another melanoma.

Things to remember about melanoma

• Melanoma is a potentially serious type of skin cancer
• Melanoma often looks like an unusual freckle or mole that is changing or growing
• Early detection and treatment is key to a positive outcome
• You can reduce your risk of melanoma by avoiding sunburns and checking your skin
• If you are concerned about a growth on your skin, you should see your GP or Dermatologist