How Long Can You Have Melanoma and Not Know It?

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths. It is often the deadliest form of skin cancer when it is not caught and treated in its earliest stages. Unfortunately, some forms of melanoma present with unexpected symptoms, making it more difficult to detect the cancer early on and posing melanoma treatment challenges. This blog explains how some people can have melanoma without realizing it and lists proactive steps you can take to detect skin cancer as early as possible. 

The Importance of Early Detection in Treating Melanoma

To understand the critical importance of early detection, we can examine melanoma survival rates. Like other cancers, melanoma can spread throughout the body if it is left untreated. Individuals who have cancer cells that have not spread from their primary location have a five-year survival rate of 99 percent. That means that 99 percent of people are still alive five years after their melanoma diagnosis. 

If cancer cells spread to nearby tissues outside the primary site, the survival rate drops to 68 percent. Once cancer cells metastasize (spread to distant areas of the body, like the liver, lungs, or brain), the survival rate at five years is around 30 percent. These statistics vary based on the patient’s age, health, and treatment response, among other factors. However, the numbers show that early detection is the best way to ensure a positive outcome. 

Types of Melanoma That Go Undetected 

For most of us, early-stage melanoma appears on the sun-exposed areas of skin. We search for moles that appear suddenly or start changing size, shape, or color. While these melanoma symptoms are the most common, other forms of melanoma often go years without detection because they don’t look like what we expect. Those types of melanoma include: 

Nodular Melanoma

This melanoma usually presents as bumps or tumors on the skin. They may be blue or black, but they can also be flesh-colored. These tumors are more difficult to detect since they don’t resemble typical melanoma moles. They also grow and spread rapidly, which explains why these tumors account for around 40 percent of melanoma-related deaths.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma 

These brown and black lesions often go undetected because they don’t appear in the usual sun-exposed areas like the arms, legs, and face. Instead, acral lentiginous melanoma forms on the palms, soles of the feet, or under the nail beds. This type of melanoma is extremely rare, but it can also be very aggressive. It appears more often in people of color, presenting as streaks or spots. 

Uveal Melanoma 

This type of melanoma originates in the uvea of the eyes and can remain undetected for more than a decade in some cases. People with fair skin and light-colored eyes may be at higher risk for this cancer. Patients usually have no symptoms, but some report vision blurring, dark spots on the iris, or floaters in their line of vision. 

What Does Melanoma Look Like? 

In most cases, melanoma appears as an abnormal mole on the skin. Most appear as new moles, but existing moles that change suddenly are also suspect. Regular skin checks at home can help you find: 

• New moles that appear suddenly
• Sores that don’t heal completely 
• Redness or oozing from any mole 
• Spreading of the mole’s pigment outside its border
• Moles that increase in size or change color
• Swelling around the border of the mole

In addition to regular home checks, an annual screening with a dermatologist will detect potential concerns that you might not notice. You should also contact your dermatologist provider right away if you notice any changes or concerning developments on your skin. 

ABCDE’s of Melanoma

The ABCDE’s of Melanoma help catch the early signs of skin cancer. Remember the ABCDE’s while checking your skin to see if any spots have the below qualities:

A: Asymmetry – Is one half of the spot unlike the other half?

B: Borders – Does it have a jagged, irregular, scalloped, or ill-defined border?

C: Color – Does it have more than one color? Any shades of tan, brown, or black?

D: Diameter – Is it bigger than 6 millimeters?

E: Evolving – Is it changing over time or look different than other spots?

Melanoma Symptoms Beyond the Moles 

Many people who have melanoma do not experience any pain or other symptoms that might indicate they have cancer. However, when the cancer metastasizes, these symptoms may begin to appear: 

• Swollen lymph nodes
• A persistent cough
• Headaches or vision changes 
• Unexplained weight loss
• Stomach pain

These symptoms can indicate many illnesses and conditions besides cancer. However, it is a good idea to see your provider for further assessment if you experience any of them. 

Schedule Your Skin Check for Melanoma in Scottsdale, Carefree, and Maricopa Today

Early detection offers the best opportunity for successful treatment and improved outcomes. Regular home checks combined with annual screenings with your dermatologist can help you find any issues while they are at their most treatable stages. If you are ready to schedule your melanoma screening in Scottsdale, Carefree, or Maricopa, call Better Skin Dermatology today at (480) 596-1110 or complete our online contact form.