Melanoma ( cancerous mole) is a highly malignant skin cancer that arises from the pigment cells of the skin. It presents as dark brown or black skin growth or ulcer but may look like a common mole. But they differ from common mole by the following: rapid growth, multicoloured, irregular margins and they tend to be large and thick. In Asians, they are commonly seen on the fingers, toes and face
Malignant melanoma can start on its own (denovo) or from an existing mole. Signs of changing mole includes:
- Asymmetry between the two halves
- Borders are jagged and not smooth
- Colour change to red or purple or multicolour or uneven shades of brown
- Diameter of 6mm or more or a sudden increase in size
- Evolution where there is continuous change in appearance over time
Treatments for skin cancer
- Surgery: Total wide excision, MOHS micrographic surgery
- Photodynamic treatment for some skin cancers
- Other treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherap