Melanoma diagnosis: how to recognize the most dangerous skin cancer in time

A normal mole that has changed color or shape slightly is rarely cause for concern. But these changes are sometimes the first sign of a dangerous disease - melanoma. This aggressive type of skin cancer can quickly spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, liver or brain. However, if melanoma is diagnosed at an early stage, it is completely curable in most cases. Therefore, timely diagnosis is not just a guarantee of success, but the key to saving lives.

What is melanoma and why is it dangerous?

Melanoma is malignant tumor that arises from melanocytes — cells that produce the pigment melanin. It most often develops on the skin, but can also occur on mucous membranes, in the retina of the eye, and under the nails.

A feature of melanoma is its high metastatic activity. It can spread very quickly even with a small initial lesion. Therefore, for successful treatment, it is critical to: early detection.

Basic methods for diagnosing melanoma

Clinical examination and the ABCDE rule

The very first step is visual examination by a dermatologist. There is a system ABCDE, which helps patients and doctors navigate whether a particular neoplasm is at risk.

If at least one of the criteria is present, it is recommended to consult a specialist.

Dermatoscopy

This is a non-invasive examination of the skin using a dermatoscope, an optical device that provides enlarged image of a mole and allows you to see structures that are not visible to the naked eye. Dermatoscopy increases the diagnostic accuracy to 90–95%.

Digital dermatoscopy (videodermatoscopy)

This is a more modern option, where the image is captured and compared in dynamics. Such technologies allow track even minimal changes over months or years, which is especially important for multiple moles or in a risk group.

Biopsy (histological examination)

The only method that accurately confirms or refutes the diagnosis. Conducted after removal or sampling of a tumor fragment, and the tissue is examined under a microscope.

In some cases, they also use:

• immunohistochemistry

• PCR research

• genetic tests (for BRAF mutation)

These methods allow you to clarify the type of melanoma and choose the most effective treatment.

Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI

These methods do not detect skin melanoma, but are used to metastasis assessments, if a later stage is suspected. Also often performed Ultrasound of lymph nodes.

When is it necessary to undergo an examination?

– a new mole appeared after 30 years
– any neoplasm has changed size, color, or become asymmetrical
– the mole hurts, bleeds, itches, or peels
– the mole interferes with touch, clothing, or shaving
– there were cases of melanoma or other skin cancer in the family
– many pigment spots or fair skin (phototype I–II)

The risk is significantly increased in people who have frequently been in the sun without protection or have a history of sunburns in childhood.

Diagnostic features in risk groups

In patients with dysplastic nevi (abnormal type of moles) or a family history of melanoma recommended to pass digital dermatoscopy every year. For patients with autoimmune diseases, after organ transplantation or on immunosuppression — checkup every 6 months.

Timely referral to a dermatologist or oncodermatologist at the slightest suspicion allows you to detect melanoma at a stage when treatment is limited to simple surgery - without chemotherapy or complex treatment. The prognosis depends on this direction: at stage I, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 95%, and at IV - less than 20%. Therefore, it is important not to ignore skin changes, even if they seem insignificant.