Did You Know About the Different Types of Melanoma?

Melanoma is a cancer of the skin. It begins in melanocytes. They are the cells that produce the pigment melanin that provides colour to the skin, hair as well as eyes. Melanocytes also form moles, where melanoma usually develops. The most common sign of melanoma is a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new mole. This can occur anywhere on your body, but the most commonly affected areas are the legs in women and the back in men. Let us understand the different types of melanoma in detail.

Types of melanoma

These are one of the most common types of Melanoma:

Superficial Spreading Melanoma

Around 70% of all melanomas in the UK are the superficial spreading melanomas. This type of superficial spreading melanoma is more common in people with freckles and pale skin and less common in darker skinned people. Initially, they tend to grow outwards, so don't pose a problem. However, if they start growing downwards into the deeper layers of your skin, they can easily spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, you should consult and go for Prescription Medicines services if you have a mole that's getting bigger, especially if it has an irregular edge.

Nodular Melanoma

Nodular melanomas are known as the faster-developing type of melanoma which can quickly grow downwards into the deeper layers of skin. These melanomas usually appear as a changing lump on your skin which might be black to red. They often grow on the previously healthy skin and most commonly occur on the head and neck, chest or back. Bleeding or oozing is a common symptom.

Lentigo Malignant Melanoma

Statistically, one in 10 melanomas (10%) is lentigo malignant melanoma. They most commonly affect older people, particularly those who've spent a lot of time outdoors. They develop slowly over some years and appear in areas that are often exposed to the sun, such as the face. Lentigo malignant melanomas are quite flat and develop sideways in the surface layers of skin. They often look like a freckle, but they're usually larger, darker and stand out more than a common freckle. They can slowly get bigger and may change shape. At a later stage, they may grow into the deeper layers of skin and can form lumps.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

This type of melanoma is a rare kind of melanoma that usually occurs on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. They can also sometimes develop around a nail, most commonly big toenail or the thumbnail. This type of melanoma is one of the most common types of melanoma in people with darker skin, but they can occur in individuals with any skin type.

Amelanotic Melanoma

Amelanotic melanomas are rare, accounting for about 5% of the total. They usually have light or no colour, but may seldom be pink or red, or have light brown or grey edges.