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Where does melanoma usually appear on the body?
Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, but they are more likely to start on the trunk (chest and back) in men and on the legs in women. The neck and face are other common sites.
Where does melanoma typically spread first?
Melanoma that has spread from the skin to other areas of the body is known as metastatic melanoma. However, since melanoma often first presents itself as an abnormal mole, many people with this malignancy can receive a diagnosis before the cancer has spread.
Where is melanoma most common?
In women, the legs are the most common site. Other common sites are the neck and face. Children can also develop melanoma. In 2021, an estimated 207,390 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States.
Do melanomas itch?
Some melanomas itch. The “E” in the ABCDE rule of melanoma is for “Evolving,” which means that something about the mole changes. New itching or tenderness falls under “Evolving.” So does a change in the size, shape, color or elevation of the mole. A melanoma may also begin to bleed or crust over.
Does melanoma show up in blood work?
Blood tests. Blood tests aren’t used to diagnose melanoma, but some tests may be done before or during treatment, especially for more advanced melanomas. Doctors often test blood for levels of a substance called lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) before treatment.
Are melanomas itchy?
Can melanoma cancer be cured?
Melanoma can be cured surgically if it is diagnosed and treated early when the tumor is thin and has not deeply invaded the skin. However, if a melanoma is not removed during this time, cancer cells may continue dividing under the skin’s surface and invade healthy tissue.
How quickly does melanoma metastasize?
Most radial melanomas can spread internally within 6 to 18 months from the first noticeable change of a pre-existing mole or appearance of a new mole. Radial melanomas that develop from age or liver spots (which typically occur in people 70 or older) can take as long as 10 to 15 years to spread internally.
Are melanomas always malignant?
Most melanomas are benign, which means they are not harmful in any way. In some cases, however, these dark spots or moles can develop into spots that are malignant, which means they are a sign of a serious form of skin cancer. The development of malignant melanomas has been linked to overexposing the skin to the sun.
Do dermatologists treat melanoma?
Dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating melanoma. At Mayo Clinic, the Department of Dermatology provides top-line clinical care to patients with all stages of melanoma.