Most deadly skin cancers DON’T start in existing moles – here’s how to spot the signs

WE are told to keep an eye on our moles for any changes that could indicate cancer.

But new research suggests that melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, most often develops as a new spot and not from existing moles.

Experts say it highlights the need to regularly check your skin for new marks and growths – as well as keeping your existing moles in check.

Researchers from Italy and Greece reviewed 38 studies on melanomas and discovered that less than a third developed from existing moles.

The vast majority – 71 per cent – actually appeared as new spots on the skin.

And melanomas that formed in existing moles were actually thinner than those that formed as new spots, meaning patients had a better prognosis.

Lead author Caterina Longo, a dermatologist at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, said: “These results could indicate that patients who monitor their existing moles for suspicious changes could detect melanoma in its early stages, when it’s most treatable.

“Because the disease is more likely to appear as a new growth, however, it’s important for everyone to familiarise themselves with all the moles on their skin and look for not only changes to those moles, but also any new spots that may appear.”

In the UK, around 13,300 people a year are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, according to Cancer Research UK.

And spotting the early signs of the disease could make all the difference when it comes to survival.

Experts recommend you check you skin for signs of new moles, or existing ones changing, every couple of month.

So what should you be looking for and how can you tell if you mole is cancerous?

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world.

It occurs when damage is caused to the skin cells, most often by UV light from the sun or tanning beds.

UVA and UVB rays are the two main UV rays emitted by the sun.

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UVA rays account for up to 95 per cent of UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

UVA penetrates the inner layer of the skin, called the dermis, and UVB mainly affects the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis.

This damage can trigger mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours.

Types of skin cancer

Skin cancer is either classified as melanoma or non-melanoma cancer.

Melanoma

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, but is most common on the back, legs, arms and face.

Melanomas can spread to other organs in the body – which makes them more deadly.

The most common indication of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole.

Watch out for moles that are:

• Getting bigger
• Changing shape
• Changing colour
• Bleeding or getting crusty
• Itchy or painful

Basel cell carcinoma (non-melanoma)

The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma.

It is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer that develops in the outermost layer of skin.

More than 100,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year, according to the NHS.

Basal cell carcinoma is usually caused by intense sun exposure, affects more men than women and is more common in the elderly.

It will rarely spread beyond the original tumour site, but if left untreated may cause damage to the nerves and muscles.

Things to look out for include:

• Looks smooth and pearly
• Seems waxy
• Looks like a firm, red lump
• Sometimes bleeds
• Develops a scab or crust
• Never completely heals
• Is itchy
• Looks like a flat red spot and is scaly and crusty
• Develops into a painless ulcer

Squamous cell carcinoma (non-melanoma)

Another form of non-melanoma, skin cancer, is squamous cell carcinoma.

This is a cancer of the keratinocyte cells which are in the outer layer of the skin.

These cells are mainly found on the face, neck, bald scalps, arms, backs of hands and lower legs.

It is the second most common type of skin cancer and may:

• Appear scaly
• Have a hard, crusty cap
• Raised skin
• Tender to touch
• Bleed sometimes

How to check if your mole is irregular using ABCDE

There is a simple checklist you can follow if you are worried your mole is cancerous.

The ABCDE checklist could help you catch the cancer early, which greatly improves your prognosis.

Here’s what to look for:

• Asymmetry – this means your mole has an irregular shape
• Borders – cancerous moles tend to have ragged edges
• Colour change – the colour of the mole may change
• Diameter – cancerous moles will increase in size
• Elevation – look for a bumpy or raised surface

Whatever the size or appearance of your mole, if it is new or you are worried about it you should see your GP as soon as possible.

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