Melanoma can appear on the skin as a mole and can also develop from an existing mole – however, it will be a mole with a difference. Asymmetrical shape and variations in color and form from other moles on the skin will typically point out the cancerous lesion. Cancerous moles can bleed or crust and are usually black or brown but they may also display a range of shades from normal skin color to white, pink, red, purple or blue.
Read about: What is melanoma the complete story
Concerned by melanoma pictures?
You’re not alone – and with good reason. Melanoma is among the top ten most common cancers in both men and women in most of the world and in fact, it represents the most common type of cancer in Australia. The changes and mutations to the skin cells that occur in cases of melanoma – as the name implies – involve the melanin-producing basal skin cells and are generally caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet light.
As the cells mutate, they create the kinds of visible changes that can be seen in photographs and will look different than any other moles on the same person.
Tragic melanoma pictures
The sobering fact is that both the incidence of and death rates from melanoma have been steadily increasing for decades. Photographs of melanoma lesions can shock and frighten but that initial reaction can be turned into positive momentum by sparking recognition of the need to take preventive measures.
With skin cancer rates on the rise, the use of appropriate broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays as well as regular self-examination become even more important.
We collected several examples of melanoma for you to compare to your own skin spots: Melanoma pictures
