Melanoma is a more serious type of cancer than the more common skin cancers, basal cell cancer or squamous cell cancer. For more information on basal or squamous cell cancer, click here . However, if detected early before is metastasizes, it is often curable by limited surgery. This points out the importance of recognizing the early signs of melanoma and bringing them to the attention of a physician so that an experienced dermatologist can become involved. To find a dermatologist in your area, click here .
Radial melanomas grow on the surface of the skin and can remain on the surface for years.
However, if left untreated they will begin to grow vertically. Vertically growing melanomas quickly lead to metastatic melanoma by entering into the lymphatic and other organ systems. Clearly, early detection is crucial to treatment options and prognosis. Melanoma can develop in a variety of locations besides the skin. Melanomas can also arise in somewhat unusual locations, such as under the nail of a finger or toe or on the mucosa lining the inside of the mouth, vagina or anus.