HOW TO DETECT MUCOSAL MELANOMA
Mucosal melanoma is most commonly found in the head & neck region, more precisely in the nasal cavity. Some other common sites include:
- Oral cavity
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Vulvar
- Vagina
Common Signs and Symptoms of Mucosal Melanoma
Some common signs and symptoms of mucosal melanoma include:
- A lump or growth in the affected area.
- Lesions or masses inside the mouth, cheeks or lips.
- Bleeding or discharge from the affected area – there may be pain or bleeding from the anus or even vaginal pain, bleeding, discharge or itching.
- Pain or discomfort in the affected area.
- Abdominal pain on the right side of the abdomen.
- Hemorrhoids that don’t heal.
- If the affected area is the throat, there may be difficulty swallowing or speaking.
- If the affected area is the nose, there may be difficulty breathing, pain inside the nose, or nosebleeds.
- The skin or whites of the eyes may be yellowed.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see a physician right away. Despite these signs being common indicators of mucosal melanoma, it is essential to have any new, painful, or bleeding areas of the body checked by a physician. Like most cancers, the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat. This holds even more significance for mucosal melanoma due to its rapid growth and high likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body.
What can Mucosal Melanoma Be Mistaken For?
Mucosal melanoma can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, causing delays in diagnosis. This is because a lot of the symptoms of mucosal melanoma are general and hard to differentiate from other conditions. Additionally, since mucosal melanoma is so rare, not many people, or even physicians, will suspect that melanoma is the cause of these symptoms. The differential diagnosis for mucosal melanoma includes:
- Polyps[5] – A polyp is a projecting growth of tissue, typically from a mucous membrane, and can develop in the rectum, nose, or throat. These are also common areas that mucosal melanoma develops, making it easy to confuse between the two. They can also cause bleeding, discharge, or pain, similar to mucosal melanoma.
- Hemorrhoids – Swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum that sometimes cause rectal bleeding. [6]Unlike hemorrhoids, mucosal melanoma will not heal.
- Ulcers – An open, crater-like sore on the top layer of skin or mucous membrane that is caused by inflammation, trauma, or infection. [7] The mucous membrane lines many parts of the body, including the mouth, nose, eyelids, throat, stomach, intestines, and the ureters, urethra, and urinary bladder. [8]An ulcer that will not heal may be a sign of mucosal melanoma.
- Genital Warts – Caused by the human papillomavirus, these flesh-colored, light and pearly, or dark purple, gray, or brown lesions are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. Genital warts typically affect the penis, vulva, and anus areas, but can also develop in the mouth. Sometimes genital warts can go away on their own without treatment, however, mucosal melanoma will never go away on its own[9].
How to Detect Mucosal Melanoma
Did you know that 75% of melanomas are detected by patients themselves? Here are some steps you can take for the early detection of mucosal melanoma:
- Perform monthly self-exams: We encourage you to check your skin every month and report any new lumps, pigmented spots, ulcers or sores to your doctor.
- Increase awareness: Talk to your friends and family about mucosal melanoma. Spreading awareness of this rare disease will increase the likelihood that someone may speak to their doctor about mucosal melanoma and receive an earlier diagnosis.
- Full-Body Skin Examinations by a Dermatologist: Schedule routine skin checks with a dermatologist, who can conduct a thorough examination and address any concerns. Find a dermatologist
Always remember, early detection is key. Perform regular skin self-exams, familiarize yourself with the signs and characteristics of mucosal melanoma and be on the lookout for any new growth or changes. If you notice something unusual or painful that fits the characteristics of mucosal melanoma, consult your family doctor promptly.
For an accurate assessment, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis.