Checking your skin
Get to know your skin by checking it regularly. That way you can notice any changes that could mean melanoma. This is especially important as you get older, particularly if you are over the age of 50.
Make sure you check your entire body, including skin not normally exposed to the sun. You should use a hand-held mirror or ask for help from someone else to check difficult areas, such as your back and neck. Use a comb to move hair aside and check your scalp.
If you are concerned about any skin changes you should see your GP.
What does melanoma look like?
Melanomas often appear as a new spot. Or they may appear as an existing spot, freckle or mole that has changed. The change could be in colour, shape or size. They often have an unusual shape or colour or a variety of colours. However, in some cases they may not be coloured.
Sometimes melanomas may be itchy or may bleed. Some may become raised quickly and catch on clothing.
Some types of melanoma develop over a period of weeks or months, while others tend to develop more slowly.
Nodular melanomas are a type that grow rapidly and need to be removed urgently. They are most often found on the head and neck and in older people, particularly men. They are raised, firm and often uniform in colour. Among those who develop melanoma, nodular melanomas occur more often in Māori and Pacific peoples compared with Asian peoples and New Zealand Europeans.
One type of melanoma tends to occur on the soles of the feet, palms of the hand and under the nails in those with darker skins.
