Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color. The signs and symptoms of melanoma are primarily found in an individual’s eyes. There are also rare occurrences of tracing them in regions like the throat or nose.

Symptoms of melanoma
Some of the earliest signs and symptoms of melanoma are the emergence of an abnormal mark on the skin or a pre-existing mole, assuming a different kind of shape. The absence of any moles in your body can also signify melanoma. It is even harder to observe the symptoms of melanoma on a normal-looking skin, which is devoid of moles.

Normal moles
Normal moles are of a single or uniform color, like black, tan, or brown. There is usually a border that separates the mole from the skin that surrounds it. These round-shaped or oval moles are generally smaller than 6 millimeters. Most kinds of these moles start taking shape in a person’s childhood, and newer moles might keep forming on an individual’s body until they are 40 years old. The shape of a mole changes with time, and some of those disappear with age.

Unusual moles
Medical experts have devised a unique way of using the letters ABCDE to understand the presence of unusual moles in an individual’s skin.

A – asymmetrical shape
Keep an eye on moles that have an abnormal shape. Certain moles are made of two halves, which look entirely different from each other.

B – Irregular order
As stated earlier, moles can be distinguished by the rest of the skin by their distinctive borders. Moles with irregular borders indicate melanoma.

C – Change in color
Moles that are multi-colored or have the presence of more than one color signify melanoma.

D – Diameter
Keep checking for moles that are larger than 6 millimeters.

E – Evolving
Moles could evolve and change their shape over a period. Serious disorders include bleeding or a sense of itchiness.

Hidden melanoma
When melanoma develops in body parts that are usually covered or do not get much exposure to the sun, like the area between the toes and palms, scalp, soles, and genitals, it’s challenging to detect the condition. These melanomas are categorized as hidden melanomas. When melanoma occurs in people with a darker complexion, the condition is likely to develop in a hidden body region. Such type of melanoma occurs in the eye or under a nail. Also known as ocular melanoma, eye melanoma develops in the layer below the white of the eye. This melanoma can cause changes in vision and can be detected through an eye test. Melanoma under a nail is a rare kind of this condition that can develop under a toenail or fingernail.