The highest risk factor for the occurrence of malignant melanoma, a black skin cancer, is a large number of moles. Anyone who has more than 40 such pigment or birthmarks on their body has an up to 15 times higher risk of developing black skin cancer. So count these regularly.
The origin of the malignant tumor are the so-called melanocytes. These pigment cells are located in the top layer of skin, release the brown pigment melanin when the sun shines to tan the skin and also form harmless birthmarks. If the skin receives too much UV radiation, the melanocytes can degenerate – and a malignant melanoma develops.
The earlier a melanoma is detected – and excised – the better the chances of a cure. Experts therefore recommend taking a thorough self-assessment once a month. Your partner or a hand mirror can be helpful for checking. Black skin cancer usually becomes noticeable through one of the following six signals:
A pigment mole is significantly darker than others, for example brown-black or black.
A pigment mole changes color, becoming lighter or darker.
A pigment mole has an irregular shape or color.
A pigment mole already has a diameter of two millimeters.
A pigment mole suddenly grows again after years of standstill.
A pigment mole itches, burns or bleeds.
The so-called ABCD rule also helps in assessing marks on the body.
A for asymmetry: A spot is considered conspicuous if it is not uniformly round or oval.
B for boundary: Normally it should be sharp and regular. Washed out, curved or jagged edges as well as fraying or tails are alarm signals.
C for Color: If a birthmark has several shades of color – from irregularly dark to black-brown, also with reddish, white and gray zones – it should be examined by a specialist.
D for diameter: If it is larger than two millimeters, the mark should definitely be observed.
Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer – also because it metastasizes relatively quickly. Much more common, but much less noticeable, are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma – also known as nonmelanoma skin cancer. These skin tumors are also usually caused by too much UV rays. Basal cell carcinoma initially resembles a gray-white lump with vessels and often grows on the face, ears or trunk. Those affected often mistake it for a pimple or a skin injury that is difficult to heal. Squamous cell carcinoma also begins inconspicuously and initially looks like a gray or brownish-yellow, rough area. Like black skin cancer, these two types of tumors must be removed by an expert as quickly as possible.
