{"id":5110,"date":"2025-05-05T11:10:04","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T11:10:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.isdin.com\/en-US\/blog\/?p=5110"},"modified":"2025-05-05T13:15:44","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T13:15:44","slug":"what-is-melanoma-and-how-to-detect-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.isdin.com\/us\/blog\/skincare\/what-is-melanoma-and-how-to-detect-it\/","title":{"rendered":"No More Melanoma: Understanding Detection & Prevention With the Experts"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading:<\/span> 6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n

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Melanoma can be a big, and often scary, subject to tackle\u2014but it\u2019s also an important one. The American Cancer Society estimates<\/a> 104,960 new melanomas will be diagnosed this year, as rates rise across the US. Still, there\u2019s plenty of cause for hope, since most cases are preventable<\/strong> with awareness and early detection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As leaders in sun protection, we aim to inspire a future without skin cancer. We\u2019ve teamed up with world-renowned dermatologist Dr. Susana Puig to share guidance<\/strong> that you can depend on, \u201cbecause being informed is the first step to protecting our health.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re also joined by the RDK Melanoma Foundation<\/a>, sharing simple yet impactful ways you can help contribute to awareness and research. Read on for expert advice on how you can minimize your risk and help work to end skin cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meet the experts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dr.<\/figure>
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Dr. Susana Puig<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head of Dermatology at Hospital Cl\u00ednic in Barcelona and Academic Director of the International School of Derma (ISD).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Deborah Kann Schwarzberg<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founder and President of the RDK Melanoma Foundation, a leading sun safety organization.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Deborah<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What is melanoma?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The clues are in the name: melano<\/em>cytes are the skin cells<\/a> that contribute to its color. Meanwhile, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs when melanocytes start reproducing uncontrollably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it\u2019s less common than many other types of skin cancer, it\u2019s the most aggressive<\/a>. It can spread very rapidly to other parts of the body. And once melanoma spreads, it\u2019s considered invasive and can potentially become life-threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why educating yourself about skin cancer (just like you are right now!) is so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does it look like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We asked Dr. Puig. “In general, the first sign of melanoma is a change in a mole\u2019s size, shape, color, or texture,” she shares. However, it can present differently from person to person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many melanomas exhibit a bluish or black area and distinct characteristics<\/strong> compared to your other moles, marks, or freckles. She explains, \u201cMelanoma can also appear as a pink lesion that doesn\u2019t go away, a line of color on your fingernail that widens over time, or a new lesion that keeps growing and is dark or reddish, looking different from others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common form of melanoma in black and brown skin<\/a> occurs on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and the fingers, toes, and nails. It might present as a dark bump, new growth, or a sore that doesn\u2019t heal with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Signs<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Expert tip:<\/em><\/strong>
While medical experts have contributed to and fact-checked this article, there are lots of additional sources of information on melanoma available. Turn to these foundations for the latest information:
American Cancer Society<\/a>
Skin Cancer Foundation<\/a>
National Cancer Institute<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What causes melanoma?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main cause of melanoma is sun exposure, along with genetic factors.<\/strong> On top of being responsible for 80% of visible skin aging<\/a>, repeated exposure to UV radiation increases the overall risk of skin cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the sun isn’t always the enemy\u2014it can be great for your body and mind<\/a>. Unprotected or extended exposure is what to avoid. That’s when its rays are more likely to cause cellular damage<\/strong>, leading to the potential for cancerous and precancerous skin lesions. Melanoma is considered a cancerous lesion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who\u2019s at risk?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Puig reminds us that anyone can develop skin cancer\u2014but the correct use of sun protection can reduce your risk. “Protecting yourself from the sun daily is the best strategy to prevent the visible signs of skin aging, actinic keratoses<\/a>, and, most importantly, melanoma and other skin cancers,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, the likelihood of developing melanoma increases in those who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n