As a dermatologist, one of the most common questions I encounter from patients is what they should be looking out for in terms of melanoma. The answer is simple. The most important thing is to familiarise yourself with your own skin.
It’s a common misconception that melanoma arises from a long standing mole. In fact, around three quarters form on a normal healthy looking area of skin (referred to as de novo melanoma), whilst only around a quarter form from a pre-existing mole termed naevus associated melanoma.
This underlines the importance of paying close attention to any changes in your skin. If you notice a new mole or an existing one that is changing, you should promptly seek to get it checked.
In order to familiarise yourself with your skin, you should perform self-examinations of your body at least every 2-3 months. This means looking at all of your body, including the back of your neck and scalp, parting the hair if required. If possible, you should seek assistance from someone when conducting a skin check or use a hand mirror.
If you spot any changes in your moles, always consultant a doctor or dermatologist. Keeping a good eye on your skin can make all the difference in catching a melanoma early, when it’s most treatable.