Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment cells in the skin. The pigment cells start to grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. The cells are usually (but not always) darker in colour than the surrounding skin.

Melanomas can appear on clear skin or develop in existing moles. Melanoma cancer cells can spread locally, into the lymph glands and other parts of the body, including the liver and lungs, so it’s crucial to catch them quickly.²

Although most moles are harmless, it’s important to have a check-up if you develop a new mole or if you notice changes in an existing mole. Make an appointment with a doctor at Virtually Healthcare if a mole is:

• Increasing in size.
• Becoming irregular or developing uneven edges.
• Itching.
• Becoming red, sore or inflamed.
• Developing surface thickening or crusting.
• Bleeding.
• Becoming varied in colour or shade.
• Bigger than the head of a pencil.

Virtually Healthcare has a dermatology team made up of GPs with a particular interest in skin conditions and a consultant dermatologist. In our virtual Dermatology Clinic you can speak with our GP, upload photographs of your mole and have a video examination.

If your skin needs expert review, the GP can refer to our in-house consultant dermatologist or refer to a specialist hospital team for excision biopsy or further treatment.

One of Virtually Healthcare’s GPs, with a special interest in dermatology and skin health, reports on the questions and concerns they currently see in their consultations.

Melanoma isn’t the only type of skin cancer; there are other types that are more common, although they are usually less serious and there is a lower risk of spread within the body. The two most common types are:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): BCCs make up eight in ten skin cancers. They can vary enormously in appearance. Some seem like scabs that don’t heal; others may appear lumpy and shiny or like a flat red mark. If left, they may develop into a crater with a raised, pearly edge which can gradually erode the skin. This tendency led to it being called a rodent ulcer.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)⁸: SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer. It usually appears on exposed parts of the body and looks like a scaly or crusty patch of skin with a red base. They can be tender and may bleed when touched.

Around 86% of melanomas could be prevented. You can help protect your skin by decreasing your exposure to the sun. Our GPs recommend that you slip, slop, slap, seek, slide.⁸

• Slip-on a t-shirt or shirt.
• Slop on sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before you go out in the sun.
• Slap on a hat.
• Seek shade or shelter, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.
• Slide on some sunglasses.