Melanoma Detection Tips: A Complete Guide to Early Diagnosis

Learn how to spot early signs of melanoma, perform self-checks correctly, and know when to see a dermatologist.

Early detection of melanoma saves lives.
At Harley Street Healthcare, London Dermatology Clinic, our goal is to help you recognise the subtle, early warning signs of this aggressive skin cancer before it becomes dangerous.

This guide brings together medically accurate advice, dermatologist-approved detection strategies, and clear steps you can start using today. If you’re ever unsure about a mole or skin change, book an assessment with our dermatologists immediately. Early action makes all the difference.

Table of Contents:

• • Understanding Melanoma
  • Why Early Detection Matters
  • How to Perform Self-Examinations
  • ABCDE Rule for Spotting Melanoma
  • When to See a Dermatologist
  • How Melanoma Is Diagnosed
  • Types of Melanoma
  • Risk Factors
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Conclusion

Understanding Melanoma

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes—the pigment-producing cells in your skin. While sun exposure increases risk, melanoma can appear anywhere, including:

• the back and legs
• under nails
• palms and soles
• inside the mouth
• the eyes (ocular melanoma)
• areas that rarely see sunlight

Why it’s difficult to recognise

Melanomas often mimic harmless moles or freckles. Their colours can vary—brown, red, pink, blue, or even colourless—making early signs easy to overlook. Because they can arise from an existing mole or from normal skin, professional assessment is vital whenever you spot a change.

Why Early Detection Matters

Catching melanoma early leads to a 99% survival rate (NHS data).
Early-stage melanoma is typically removed surgically with excellent outcomes. When diagnosis is delayed, treatment may require immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy.

Regular checks—both at home and with a dermatologist—offer the best chance of finding melanoma before it spreads.

Self-Examination Tips to Detect Melanoma

1. Do regular full-body skin checks

Examine your skin under good lighting at least once a month. Use two mirrors or ask someone to help you check:

• • scalp

• • behind ears

• • back and buttocks

• • feet, soles, and between toes

• • under nails

• • intimate areas

Make self-checks a routine, just like brushing your teeth.

2. Look for changes in existing moles

Be alert to:

• • growth in size

• • irregular or blurred borders

• • colour changes

• • itching, pain, or bleeding

• • a mole becoming raised after being flat

Change is the biggest red flag.

3. Watch for new or unusual marks

Around 70–80% of melanomas start as new lesions—not from existing moles.
Anything new, odd-looking, or different from your other moles (“the ugly duckling sign”) deserves attention.

4. Use the ABCDE Rule

A simple method to evaluate moles:

• • A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other

• • B – Border: irregular, jagged, or blurred

• • C – Colour: multiple colours or unusual shades

• • D – Diameter: larger than 6mm (but melanomas can be smaller)

• • E – Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour, or symptoms

If a mole meets any of these criteria, seek medical advice promptly.

When to See a Dermatologist

You should book an urgent appointment if you notice:

• • sores that do not heal

• • patches that bleed or crust

• • rapid changes in a mole

• • new moles after age 30

• • persistent itching or irritation

• • a mole that looks significantly different from others

Even without symptoms, annual skin checks are recommended especially for those with risk factors like fair skin, numerous moles, or family history of melanoma. Regular dermatologist visits detect melanomas earlier and reduce the risk of late-stage diagnosis.

How Melanoma Is Diagnosed

Dermatologists use a combination of clinical expertise and diagnostic tools:

1. Visual Examination

Suspicious areas are assessed with dermoscopy, which reveals structures not visible to the naked eye.

2. Skin Biopsy

If melanoma is suspected, the mole (or part of it) is removed and examined under a microscope. Common biopsy types include:

• • shave biopsy

• • punch biopsy

• • excisional biopsy

A biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose melanoma.

Types of Melanoma

Amelanotic Melanoma

• • No pigment, often pink or red

• • Harder to recognise

• • Frequently diagnosed later

• • More aggressive

Melanoma In Situ

• • Earliest stage (Stage 0)

• • Cancer cells remain only in the epidermis

• • Very high cure rate when removed early

Early recognition is crucial, as delay allows spread to deeper layers.

Risk Factors for Melanoma

You may have higher risk if you have:

Family history

A first-degree relative with melanoma doubles or triples your risk.

Atypical moles (dysplastic naevi)

Larger, irregularly shaped moles increase likelihood of melanoma, especially if you have several.

Other risk factors include:

• • fair skin or light eyes

• • history of sunburns

• • tanning bed use

• • having many moles

• • weakened immune system

Knowing your personal risk helps you stay vigilant.

Conclusion

Melanoma can be deadly, but when caught early, it is highly treatable.
Use the ABCDE rule, perform monthly self-examinations, and never ignore changes in your skin. If you have a suspicious mole, new spot, or anything that doesn’t look right: Book a full skin examination at Harley Street Healthcare, London Dermatology Clinic today. Our dermatologists can assess, diagnose, and treat melanoma at the earliest possible stage.

FAQs About Melanoma Detection