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Melanoma — Early Detection

Recognizing the most aggressive skin cancer at a curable stage saves lives.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Melanoma — Early Detection?

Melanoma arises from malignant transformation of melanocytes, most often in the skin but also in mucosa, uvea, and rarely visceral organs. Although it accounts for fewer than 5% of skin cancers, it causes the majority of skin-cancer deaths.

Early-stage melanoma (Breslow thickness ≤1 mm, no ulceration) carries a 5-year survival exceeding 95%, while advanced metastatic disease historically had less than 10% — a gap dramatically narrowed by checkpoint inhibitor and BRAF/MEK targeted therapy in recent years.

Risk stratification combines phenotypic factors (Fitzpatrick I–II skin, total nevus count >100, atypical nevi, prior melanoma), genetic factors (CDKN2A, MC1R), and environmental factors (intermittent intense UV, indoor tanning, severe sunburns).

Symptoms

ABCDE criteria: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variegation, Diameter >6 mm, Evolution
Ugly-duckling sign: a lesion that looks different from the patient's other nevi
New, rapidly changing, bleeding, ulcerated, or itchy pigmented lesion
Subungual streak with widening, Hutchinson sign (pigment extending to nail fold)
Pigmented lesion in palmoplantar, mucosal, or genital location warrants close evaluation
Amelanotic melanoma may appear pink or red and mimic other lesions

Risk Factors

Fair skin, light eye and hair color (Fitzpatrick I–II)
Personal or family history of melanoma
Multiple (>50) common nevi or any atypical/dysplastic nevi
Severe blistering sunburns (especially in childhood)
Indoor tanning bed use, particularly before age 30
Immunosuppression (organ transplant, chronic immunosuppressants)
Genetic syndromes: familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM), CDKN2A mutation, xeroderma pigmentosum

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Any pigmented lesion meeting one or more ABCDE criteria
  • New mole appearing after age 35–40
  • Pre-existing nevus that is changing in size, shape, or color
  • Bleeding, crusting, or non-healing pigmented lesion
  • Patient at high risk requesting full-body skin examination

Treatment Methods

01
Excisional biopsy of the entire suspicious lesion with 1–3 mm clinical margin (no shave biopsy of suspected melanoma)
02
Definitive wide local excision with margins based on Breslow thickness (0.5–2 cm)
03
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for tumors ≥0.8 mm or thinner with adverse features
04
Adjuvant immunotherapy (anti-PD-1: pembrolizumab, nivolumab) for resected stage IIB/C and III
05
BRAF/MEK inhibitor combinations for BRAF V600-mutated stage III/IV disease
06
Stereotactic radiotherapy for selected brain or bone metastases
07
Lifelong dermatologic surveillance with full-body photography and dermoscopy for high-risk patients
08
Public-health prevention: sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, avoidance of tanning beds, education campaigns

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.