Melanomas are usually associated with new or changing moles, but did you know these skin cancers can also appear in other ways? In this article, we’ll cover eight potential early symptoms of melanoma, along with photos of what they may look like.

If you begin experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist (skin specialist). They’ll examine your skin and run tests if necessary to rule out or diagnose melanoma and recommend the right treatment plan for you.

Where Does Melanoma Develop?

Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, but it tends to affect certain areas of skin more than others. This skin cancer can develop on sun-exposed skin, such as the:

• Face
• Scalp
• Ears
• Neck
• Chest and back
• Arms and legs
• Hands and feet

Some types of melanoma form on skin that normally isn’t exposed to the sun or ultraviolet radiation. For example, acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) typically forms on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and under the fingernails and toenails.

Mucosal melanoma forms on the moist (mucosal) tissues that line your mouth, nose, digestive tract, and genitals. Uveal melanoma develops in the pigmented cells (melanocytes) in your eyes.

The early symptoms of melanoma you experience may depend on where the tumor is located. Here, we’ll explain eight symptoms to look out for.

1. Changing Moles

One of the first signs of melanoma skin cancer is a new or changing mole on your skin. Melanocytes are skin cells that make the pigment melanin, which gives your skin its color. Moles are brown growths made from collections of melanocytes. Most moles appear during your childhood and adolescence and are harmless. However, it’s important to keep an eye on them over time.

Some moles change over time and begin to spread into abnormal shapes or develop different colors. All of these are warning signs of melanoma.

Dermatologists use the acronym ABCDE to remember signs of moles that may indicate melanoma. The first five letters of the alphabet stand for:

• Asymmetry — When split in half, one side of the mole doesn’t match the other.
• Border — The edges are no longer rounded and may be irregular, blurred, ragged, or uneven.
• Color — There are several colors within the mole, including shades of brown, tan, black, red, gray, or blue.
• Diameter — The mole is about the size of a pencil eraser or larger, about 6 millimeters across.
• Evolving — The mole has recently changed in shape, size, or color, or it’s spreading onto healthy skin nearby.

2. New Moles

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, between 20 percent and 30 percent of melanomas develop from existing moles. The other 70 percent to 80 percent of cases occur from new moles. These new moles are called de novo melanomas. This is why it’s important to check your skin regularly for new moles or lesions. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends monthly head-to-toe skin checks.

Ask your doctor or someone you’re comfortable with to check areas of skin you can’t see well, like your back and shoulders. Be sure to take pictures of any new moles you find so you can track them over time. The American Academy of Dermatology offers a body mole map to take notes on new and existing moles.

If a new mole or lesion starts to show warning signs of melanoma, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist.

3. Non-Mole Skin Lesions

Some melanomas don’t look like moles at all. These are known as amelanotic lesions and account for around 5 percent of melanomas. People with nodular melanoma can have amelanotic lesions that form raised bumps on the skin’s surface.

The American Academy of Dermatology also notes that melanomas can look like other common skin problems. This can make it harder to accurately diagnose melanoma. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you notice a new lesion that doesn’t seem to be getting better or continues to change over time.

Some lesions look like pink or red sores or cysts — skin lesions filled with fluid. Other people may have lesions that look like bruises or darkened spots underneath the skin.

Lentigo maligna melanoma usually looks like an age spot on an area of skin that gets lots of sun exposure. Age spots are flat tan or brown patches of skin that look like large freckles. However, lentigo maligna melanoma can change color, shape, or size over time.

Mucosal melanoma can also lead to pigmented spots or lesions in your mouth. Some may be painful or form open, bleeding sores or lumps. New growths can also block the nasal passages.

4. Changes in Sensation Near a Mole

Most of the time, the skin surrounding a mole is healthy. However, melanoma can cause skin changes that lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Some people report pain, itching, bleeding, crusting, or oozing from a melanoma lesion. Not everyone with melanoma experiences these symptoms, and they may be caused by common, harmless skin conditions as well.

5. ‘Ugly Duckling’ Sign

Most people have 10 to 40 moles that appear at some point throughout their lifetime. They’re usually round or oval and are smaller than a pencil eraser. Depending on your skin tone, you may have brown, blue, gray, or black moles. Your moles will generally look alike and resemble one another.

One key sign of a melanoma lesion is that it may look very different from your other moles. According to the American Cancer Society, this is known as the “ugly duckling” sign. Ugly duckling moles can be bigger or smaller or lighter or darker than other moles around them. A mole that forms on its own without others around it is also considered an ugly duckling.

Be sure to let your doctor or dermatologist know if you find a suspicious-looking mole or patch of skin.

6. Spots or Streaks Underneath Your Nails

Most people think of melanomas as new, abnormal moles on your skin. However, some types of melanoma can cause unexpected symptoms. ALM is a rarer type of melanoma that mainly affects people with darker skin tones and those of Asian descent, according to AIM at Melanoma.

One of the telltale signs of ALM is a dark spot or streak underneath a fingernail or toenail. The nail covering the lesion can also eventually become damaged or break entirely. Many people mistake an ALM lesion for a bruise or another skin injury. Any finger or toe can be affected, but ALM commonly develops in the thumbnail or big toenail.

If you notice new spots or lines under your nails and you haven’t recently injured them, be sure to talk to your doctor.

7. New Growths on Your Hands and Feet

ALM can also form on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. You may not think to check for melanoma in these spots because they usually don’t get direct exposure to sunlight. Make sure to regularly inspect the skin on your palms and soles for any new growths or skin changes, which could be signs of ALM.

Early symptoms of ALM to look out for include:

• New or changing spots connected to moles on your hand or foot
• New black, brown, tan, or gray growth with irregular borders
• A thickened area of skin on the bottom of your foot or palm of your hand

8. New Spots on Your Eyes

If you notice new dark spots on the iris or the colored part of your eye, this may be a sign of uveal melanoma. These spots can affect the size and shape of your pupil — the black center of your eye. Other signs of uveal melanoma include:

• Blurry vision
• Floaters or moving spots in your vision
• Pain and irritation in the eye

These symptoms can also be caused by other eye conditions. It’s important to make an appointment with your eye doctor to find out what may be causing them.

Being aware of the early signs of melanoma, such as new or changing moles is key to catching it early. If you spot any warning signs mentioned in this article, you may want to get in touch with your doctor or dermatologist. They’ll check your skin, run the tests needed, and figure out the best treatment plan. Taking action early is crucial in handling melanoma effectively — keep an eye on your skin’s health.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyMelanomaTeam is the social network for people with melanoma and their loved ones. On MyMelanomaTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with melanoma.

Did early symptoms of melanoma send you to the doctor before your melanoma diagnosis? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.