Irregular pink brown, black or purple skin growths often arising from a pre-existing mole.
Irregular pink brown, black or purple skin growths often arising from a pre-existing mole, freckle or around 50% develop from 'normal skin'. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and can spread to affect other areas of the body if it is not treated early. Melanoma usually presents as a brown, purple or black, raised skin lump typically 1-2cm in size. Sometimes they can be pink with only a very small amount of pigment contained within them.
Any changing skin blemish particularly if it is dark, should be viewed as a potential melanoma and should be assessed by a specialist, you can use 'consult the specialist' here now if you are worried.
Melanoma can appear as a darker extension or growth within an existing mole - but sometimes it can appear as a pink or fleshy growth rather than a darker area.
A rarer type of melanoma (called Acral Melanoma) is the type that affects the skin beneath the toe nail - this can sometimes be mistaken for fungal infection for months - the clue is pigment leaking onto the surrounding skin.
Yet another type of melanoma is called Lentigo Maligna Melanoma - this arises on the skin usually of the face - and appears as a dark area within a paler lentigo. They can be very slowly progressive and any change can be difficult to monitor.
Self Observation and Mole awareness - watch the video below for my tips on how you can monitor your skin.
by Dr John Ashworh
