Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, these cancerous growths develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells triggers mutations that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. Melanomas often resemble moles; some develop from moles. If recognized and treated early, it is almost always curable, but if it is not, the cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal.
In 2016, an estimated 76,380 of these will be invasive melanomas, with about 46,870 in males and 29,510 in women.
As a general rule, people keeping an eye out for melanomas believe they are black or brown, and are usually looking at already existing moles for changes. But according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, most melanomas- about 70 percent of them- come from new spots rather than existing moles.
It’s difficult to notice gradual changes on ourselves. You look at yourself in the mirror every day, so unless a boil erupts in an obvious spot overnight, you’re unlikely to realize that something is happening.
The study examined 38 cases of the cancer
and determined that there were wildly varying numbers for just how many cases of cancer arise from moles in the past, so this meta-analysis offers a more accurate estimate since it’s averaging many results.It’s far more probable that you’ll spend a day in the sun, and then along with a lovely tan you’ll develop a few freckles. Maybe one of those freckles evolves into something…more than a freckle. It’s easy to see that spot every day and never make a mental note about it.
Which is exactly why seeing a dermatologist regularly is an absolute necessity. They’ll document your skin with photos—yes, they might be unflattering—and comparing the photos over time. Every spot gets photographed and noted on a map of your body, such that any new growths are easy to identify.
Whether a new mole, or a change in an older mole, too many people wait to go see a doctor until something is seriously wrong. The good news is that by going earlier rather than later, you’re far more likely to catch it before it becomes cancerous.
