Melanoma is a common type of skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes. Although the exact cause of the disease is not known, it develops from excessive exposure due to ultra-violet radiation in most cases. Read on to know more about the early warning signs of melanoma:

Early warning signs of melanoma
Although this type of cancer can develop anywhere on the body, it is most commonly noticed on patches of skin that are usually exposed to sunlight. The face, arms, and legs are some of the areas that first show the early warning signs of melanoma:

• A difference in an existing skin mole:  Moles on the skin are normal and generally have brown, back, or skin color. Moles are usually round or oval and reach 6mm in diameter, but if a mole looks different, it may be a sign of melanoma. For example, if a mole suddenly appears to have changed shape or has developed unusual borders, it may be a sign of skin cancer. Also, one should look out for moles that grow larger than 6mm in diameter and moles that suddenly appear to change color or shade. A mole that indicates melanoma may have all these unusual characteristics or just one of them.
• Swelling on the skin:  Another early warning sign to watch out for melanoma is to watch out for a swelling on the skin. This swelling may generally develop on the area of the skin surrounding a mole, and other patches of skin may also experience changes in the way they respond to touch. One may notice an increased sensation of itching or skin tenderness. If one notices any of these signs and symptoms, they should report them to a doctor immediately and undergo further examination to ensure early diagnosis.
• A sudden appearance of a lump:  Lumps on the skin are one of the most common signs of cancer, and this is particularly true for skin cancer. So, one should always keep an eye out for lumps around the area surrounding a mole on their skin.
• Oozing and peeling:  Another early warning sign of melanoma is oozing and peeling of the skin or an existing mole. For instance, a mole may start bleeding, or its skin may start peeling off.

Certain unusual early warning signs of melanoma
While most melanomas began on the skin surface near moles, certain melanomas may begin in other places and go unnoticed. For instance, melanomas can develop under the fingernail or under the toenail. In some cases, they may also develop inside the iris of the eye or in the oral cavity. These melanomas are often known to go unnoticed as most people do not pay attention to the areas that they develop in.