Who is Most at Risk of Melanoma?

• Adults with large numbers of moles (at least 50 or more)
• Adults who freckle
• Adults with unusual moles (larger than 1cm in diameter with irregular outline or irregular pigmentation)
• Adults with a history of severe sunburn

In addition, adults with a family history of melanoma or those who have already had one primary melanoma are at increased risk.

N.B. Melanoma in children is very rare.

Early Detection of Malignant Melanoma

If one of these:
Melanocytic Naevus.  Benign but symmetrical variegate mole.  Solitary moles should not provoke anxiety
Turns into one of these:
This flat melanoma can be cured by surgical excision.  Note the irregular outline and pigmentation	Lentigo maligna melanoma.  An invasive ominous nodule risen from a long-standing mole
Superficial spreading malignant melanoma.  Irregular margins, variable pigmentation, >7mm and central pink inflammation.	Nodular malignant melanoma.  Exhibiting irregular margins and pigmentation.
Then make an appointment to see your GP to consider further examination

 

Early Detection - The 7 Point Code

Major Signs

• If an existing mole gets larger or a new one is growing
• If the mole has an irregular outline
• If the colours are mixed shades of brown or black

Minor Signs

• If the mole is bigger than the blunt end of a pencil
• If it is inflamed or has a reddish edge
• If it is bleeding, oozing or crusting
• If it starts to feel different: for example, itching or painful

Prevention Advice

• Avoid sunburn
• Keep babies out of the sun altogether.  Protect children - there is evidence that sunburn for those under 15 increases risk of cancer later
• Limit exposure to the sun.  Seek natural shade from trees or other shelter
• Avoid direct sun between 11:00am and 3:00pm
• Wear a broad-rimmed hat and co The information was not saved correctly.