Melanoma is typically a skin cancer and it is caused when the skin pigmentation-causing cells become cancerous. Melanoma, if not diagnosed at the very early stages, can turn out to quite painful. Now, there are a few warning signs and symptoms of melanoma, as discussed here, which you should be aware of to find out if it is just a skin disease or melanoma.

Growth of a Mole
A highly prominent one among all signs and symptoms of melanoma is the growth and development of a mole. Now, a mole is quite common and can happen for many other reasons too. That is why there is an ABCDE of a mole that is particularly a sign of melanoma. First, the mole is Asymmetric, which implies that it has an irregular shape. B stands for a border and this is to say that the edge of the mole is not smooth but irregular or rather, notched. The Color, on the other hand, is like dark spots and uneven shading. The Diameter of the mole, which is an important aspect to look at, is such that the spot is larger than the size of a pencil eraser. And lastly, E stands for evolving or elevation. A mole that comes as a symptom of melanoma will always tend to change or evolve in its size, shape and texture.

Sores that Don’t Heal
Apart from the specifications of the mole, one of the most glaring signs and symptoms of melanoma is a sore that just does not heal. Normally, skin sores might take time to heal, but with the application ointments and warm compress, they disappear. A sore that is triggered by melanoma, on the contrary, will simply refuse to go away.

Redness and Swelling Outside the Mole
In this condition, not only will the mole be there but you will also develop pigmentation, swelling and redness that spreads out from the border of the spot to the surrounding areas of the skin. If this accompanies a mole that fulfills the ABCDE specifications, then chances are that the person has been affected by melanoma.

Bleeding Mole
Although it does not happen at a very early stage, bleeding or oozing from the existing mole is again one of the prominent signs and symptoms of melanoma that one should know about.

Blurry Vision
This is not a skin-related symptom but often happens with people affected by melanoma. The patient might develop a partial loss of sight, blurry vision and also, dark spots in the iris of the eyes.

You must watch out for these signs and symptoms of melanoma and consult a doctor immediately because the only way to be sure if a mole is melanoma is to have it examined by the physician. Also, do not delay in getting treatment as melanoma can be cured if diagnosed at the right time.