What does melanoma feel like?

Skin cancer is no laughing matter, but sometimes humor can help us deal with difficult topics. So, let’s talk about melanoma – one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer out there.

The Basics of Melanoma

Before we dive into what it feels like, let’s first understand what melanoma actually is.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the cells that produce pigment or color in your body which are called melanocytes (very fancy terminology right there). When these cells become damaged by harmful UV rays from the sun or tanning beds (!) they can grow out of control and form tumors on your skin.

There are several types superficial spreading melanomas (SSMs), nodular melanomas, and lentigo maligna melanomas (LMMs). Yes, those names sound scary enough to rob you off normal speech for an entire minute… Don’t worry tho I Got You!!

In this article (oops almost slipped) we will be focusing mainly on SSMs as they account for about 70% -80% diagnosed cases.

Can You Actually ‘Feel’ Melanoma?

So here’s a question for you: can you feel if something’s going wrong under your skin anyway?” No answer yet? Well then neither can anyone else.

Usually though,(that doesn’t sound good) in early stages malignant moles look similar to benign ones so self-examination alone might not suffice Remember-The sooner someone gets checked after detection,the higher their chances are of surviving long-term!

If at any time you’re not sure whether a mole looks safe or suspicious; please don’t hesitate reaching out to healthcare professionals ASAP… Trust me waiting could have unfavourable consequences…

Signs That Your Mole Needs Checking:

Since feeling melanoma might not be as easy peasy lemon squeezy (yeah the ‘easy’ is repeated but trust me; it works) as we thought, let’s go over some of the warning signs that you may want to keep an eye out for;

  • If a mole changes in shape, size or color then there may be something wrong.
  • When one half of a mole does not fit with/looks different from its other side. That’s definitely suspicious
  • The surface texture -if It Looks scaly, crusty or bleeding however small they are can also indicate cancerous growths forming.
  • A blister which hasn’t healed on your skin after several weeks could potentially harbour malignancy (Whether you pick at/burst them open or simply leave them be)

If you find any of these features present in yourself during self-examination and steadily increasing,get checked right away!

How Does Melanoma Feel?

We’ll start with real talk here: if you have a new lump on your body and it feels weird, this could be melanoma. Of course It doesn’t mean every new bump/lump is skin cancer but when joined with some other symptoms,it gives cause for concern.

Let’s take

Subungual Melanomas(melanomas occurring under toenails and/or fingernails )for instance,

Imagine stubbing your toe all too often I bet those tenderness feelings last way too long right? Well sometimes someone may feel normal pressure become painful like never before around where their nail meets its bed (matrix),This could raise alarms worth getting checked..

Again don’t panic automatically! But don’t forget check-in since only medical professional expertise will give accurate answers!

Another type of melanoma called acral lentiginous melanoma commonly develops underneath finger/toenail beds (ahem) palms! so..a ny lumps developing at such places, should get seen by professionals soonest possible!!

Symptoms of Advanced Melanoma

when one has progressed melanoma or when it enters its advanced phases, things generally tend to look gloomier. (sorry these are the facts folks).

Here are some symptoms which someone would typically experience;

  • Bone ache/pain that hits more during night time.
  • Shortness of breath induced by being in constant feel winded up despite nothing strenuous
    being engaged; that’s shortness of breath for perspective.
  • Persistent cough, chest pain and other respiratory-related issues.

If any changes take place within your body that you think looks alarming,make appointments with doctors close-by!

Conclusion

Although it’s not easy to say what melanoma feels like since sometimes there might be none at all but we hope this humorous guide helped bring awareness to the warning signs you should keep an eye out for..Remember that prevention is always better than cure therefore (and belated as suggested earlier) consult a doctor immediately once you notice any worrisome mole irregularities on skin or persistent symptoms indicated towards something off-kilter.

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