Melanoma - Symptoms, signs, diagnosis and management

This video is a virtual blackboard tutorial of malignant melanoma. It outlines a description, causes, symptoms, clinical features, and description of melanoma. Dr O'Donovan uses real images of melanoma in this tutorial, kindly made open access by The Skin Cancer Foundation.
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These videos are all made in Dr O’Donovan’s spare time. He does not charge anyone for any content but if you’d like to donate a coffee he would be very grateful!
www.buymeacoffee.ee/doctorodonovan
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Thanks to:
Dr. Jonny Guckian (Twitter: @JonnyGucks)
Disclaimer:
The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published and has been forumalted using the following resources:
References and credit:
1. "Melanoma Treatment-for health professionals (PDQ®)". National Cancer Institute. June 26, 2015.
2. World Cancer Report 2014 (PDF). World Health Organization. 2014. pp. Chapter 5.14. ISBN 978-9283204299.
3. Kanavy HE, Gerstenblith MR (December 2011). "Ultraviolet radiation and melanoma". Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 30 (4): 222-8. doi:10.1016/j.sder.2011.08.003
4. www.toddgreen.co.uk/downloads/...
5. www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public...
6. cks.nice.org.uk/melanoma-and-...
7. "SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Melanoma of the Skin". NCI. Archived from the original on 2014-07-06
8. Zitelli JA, Brown CD, Hanusa BH. Surgical margins for excision of primary cutaneous melanoma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1997;37(3 Pt 1):422-429. doi:10.1016/s0190-9622(97)70144-0
9. cancerstaging.org/references-...
10. www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG14...
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Photo credit:
Source: Skin Cancer Foundation

Пікірлер: 87

  • @nitzaberrios9021
    @nitzaberrios902111 ай бұрын

    Just diagnosed with VM ...really weird cancer. Hopefully I get a chance to survive the 5yr threshold.

  • @droneready8278
    @droneready8278 Жыл бұрын

    Waiting on labs for my biopsy... Done on a large and innocent looking,flat mole...my dermatologist seemed to be concerned about it...bad part is that it has been there for 10+ years and i never had it looked at because it never bothered me... actually went to have some brown spots on my forehead looked at and they were fine...it was the mole behind my ear... keeping my fingers crossed and pray up🙏

  • @yashanjalinehere8391

    @yashanjalinehere8391

    Жыл бұрын

    Result?

  • @kevanhubbard9673
    @kevanhubbard96732 жыл бұрын

    I developed various lumps on my left hand including a huge lump on my finger which lead to the amputation of the finger.At one point they suspected a rare skin cancer but it turned out to be a rare Lymphoma called Mycosis Fungoides which was/is at stage 2b the beginning of the advanced disorder.

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching and for your comment. Hope you’re better

  • @BAR-ct7ti
    @BAR-ct7ti3 жыл бұрын

    I caught melanoma on my right rib cage at 0.5 mm. Had surgery. Biopsy after surgery came back clear. Now I have to be vigilant that I don’t get another one. I go 3 to 4 times a year to the doc now. 2 things saved me. My mom pushing me to go to a dermatologist for mole checks. She’s pushed me for years to go basically every year, and I listened to her. The other thing was playing close attention to my body and those pamphlets you see everywhere, regarding border, color...etc.

  • @ianp.7536

    @ianp.7536

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing my friend. I have never had a melanoma but I really want to be vigilant with my dermatological checks. I think a lot of people blow it off but skin cancer is no joke and can be very scary. Seemingly more and more common in younger people as well. Stay safe and be well.

  • @Silentafterthought

    @Silentafterthought

    3 жыл бұрын

    I had it on my back in 0 stage caught it in time now I'm getting my abdomen done it's very scary your not alone mohs surgery is the best cure for melanoma

  • @Silentafterthought

    @Silentafterthought

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@ianp.7536 Definitely go get checked I had melanoma never thought I'd get it melanoma is no joke

  • @nathprtm7

    @nathprtm7

    2 жыл бұрын

    Recently, on the side of my right rib, black lumps appeared and it was close together, when I touched it it hurt. I don't know if it's melanoma or not.

  • @BAR-ct7ti

    @BAR-ct7ti

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@nathprtm7 You need to get into a dermatologist tomorrow. Don’t think about it, just call and go. Every day counts! It grows fast! Please go!

  • @Arianna_paints
    @Arianna_paints Жыл бұрын

    I’ve had an abnormal mole on my ear for a year now. I’m worried about the removal process and if my ear will be ruined if it’s removed.

  • @pansarankan
    @pansarankan Жыл бұрын

    i have a spot on my scalp, it is hurting and throbbing. i thought it was headache at first but now i notice a spot there in the area where my head hurts

  • @Silentafterthought
    @Silentafterthought3 жыл бұрын

    I had melanoma removed from my back and I'm a woman I don't use tanning beds or lay in the sun I'm light skin and I still had melanoma I'm 40 these videos help us find melanoma for our dermatologist go get checked out if you have alot of moles I have a atypical Nevis syndrome

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your comment. Hope you are ok.

  • @JessicaMarLynn

    @JessicaMarLynn

    2 жыл бұрын

    I am having an excision done on Friday. I am also 40. I have seen your comments a lot lately, as I have been trying to prepare myself in case I do have a melanoma diagnosis at the end of my pathology results. I noticed that my moles seemed to be almost pulsating during my pregnancies and thought it was really weird. I have had 4 babies back to back. So, I made certain to get to the dermatologist to have a few moles on my back specifically looked at. She picked 3 that she said she was not over the moon about and did dermatech patches for two of them and a shave biopsy for the one at the top of my buttock region (didn't even know existed). Turns out that one is severely dysplastic and needs to be excised and then one of the other ones she tested has the gene responsible for metastasis in cancer (RNA518/Linc00518) present. So, that one will be biopsied after I get my stitches out from my excision. I am worried that melanoma diagnosis is in my near future because of the fact that I feel like my body was talking to me and I went and then this is the result. Apparently, from what I am reading and learning watching videos such as this, my pregnancies puts me at higher risk and I remember also having a lump in my groin area this last pregnancy that I thought was just an ingrown hair. Now I am nervous that it was a lymph node... UGH... I guess I won't know until I get these moles dug out and further examined. I am nervous though...

  • @commoveo1

    @commoveo1

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@JessicaMarLynn I have a very similar situation, always had a lot of moles. My heart goes out to you for worrying! I’m a worrier myself. Mine came back as melanoma . I’m still concerned yet the great times I had surfing and outdoor activities I wouldn’t trade for anything. While that comment may sound foolish and most likely is. Yet I’m also a God fearing human and know God is in full control. God Bless and I will remember you in my prayers, tonight my first. Doctors are a gift so best to you! ❤️✨😇

  • @aniwayindia

    @aniwayindia

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DoctorODonovan doc I would like to send you a picture of my mole. Can you tell me how to send it

  • @commoveo1
    @commoveo12 жыл бұрын

    Thank You!

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    2 жыл бұрын

    Pleasure - thanks for watching

  • @DoctorODonovan
    @DoctorODonovan4 жыл бұрын

    CASE QUESTION 2: What system do you assess her ‘mole’? What features from this system would make you more suspicious that the ‘mole’ was in-fact a melanoma?

  • @wakylaugh

    @wakylaugh

    Жыл бұрын

    You’d have to do a thorough skin examination with use of a dermoscopy to see if it meets the Assymetry, Borders, Color variation, Diameter>6mm and evolution criteria.

  • @kc7339
    @kc7339 Жыл бұрын

    Can you do a video on pink colored melanomas?

  • @miriammillan
    @miriammillan2 жыл бұрын

    Very informative. Question? Is a melanoma usually a Mole that comes out randomly and stand alone or do they come in a bunch?

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    2 жыл бұрын

    There can be singular melanomas or multiple. Assessment of the lesions by a trained HCP would be important to determine if they are malignant or not.

  • @DoctorODonovan
    @DoctorODonovan4 жыл бұрын

    CASE QUESTION 1: 1. A 40 year old woman, Molly, comes to visit you in the GP surgery, she is worried about a new mole she has found on the back of her leg. She said it has been increasing in size over the last few months and recently has noticed it bleeding. She has fair skin (Fitzpatrick Grade I) and has been living in Australia for the last 10 years. She admits that she rarely used sun-screen and has spent a lot of time outside. She also admits to drinking heavily and having Type II Diabetes Mellitus. (QUESTION - What risk factors does she have in her history for melanoma?)

  • @Silentafterthought

    @Silentafterthought

    3 жыл бұрын

    I'm 40 and had one on my back these videos are very helpful and will save lives it saved mine mohs surgery is the best surgery painless and heal faster

  • @wakylaugh

    @wakylaugh

    Жыл бұрын

    Her skin type (always burns), rare use of sunscreen, prolonged exposure to UV light, immunosuppression (DM).

  • @vedantsuniti9982
    @vedantsuniti99828 ай бұрын

    I have a small black spot on my left hand from around some 2-3 years it wasn't evolving or changing any colour or shape and it the same size . it dosent itch or hurt and bleed, is it just a normal melanin pigment getting accumulated?

  • @yvonaamariaa
    @yvonaamariaa Жыл бұрын

    I'm Yvonne, I'm 69 y/o female. I am, Italian, French and Spanish and I have an olive completion. I sun tanned a lot all the way up to my 40's never burning always tanning. I have a really weird place where I've always had, a small "freckle" less that say, 2-3mm. It has always been the same color as light brown and always was the same size. And it's flat. It is located in my pubic area right at the place where I had a C-section 40 years ago. I guess you would say it's on my pubic mound. A few weeks ago I fell and got a really large bruise high on my inner thigh. I was trying to take a picture of it and unintentionally got a picture of this nevis/mole. It now is much larger 7-9mm and all uneven around the edges and mottled and some of it is bumpy. I was shocked to see this. I went to my GP and she called it "suspicious atypical nevis". and referred me to the dermatologist. My appointment is on Friday 11/04/22.... it's Monday 10/17 today. So it's in about two weeks. Wish me luck and any prayers are welcome. This is an old video, so no one will probably read this!!! I always sign off with... As Always Light and Love !~ yvonne

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    Жыл бұрын

    Let us know how you get on. Wishing you the best.

  • @yvonaamariaa

    @yvonaamariaa

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DoctorODonovan Wow, thank you so much!!! I will let you know how it goes. I've gotta say I'm a bit worried, but I don't have any family history and I've got a lot of melanin so I'm hoping that's in my favor! Thanks again for your good wishes.

  • @user-gt8iq2rf9l

    @user-gt8iq2rf9l

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey, what happened with the suspicious lesion?

  • @yvonaamariaa

    @yvonaamariaa

    Жыл бұрын

    @@user-gt8iq2rf9l Oh, WOW!!! Thank you so much for caring and asking. I'm so happy to report that the mole was totally benign. It was so hard to wait the few days between them taking the biopsy and getting my results. Again, thank you for caring. As Always Light 🕯️Love 💜and Peace 🤣~ yvonne

  • @yvonaamariaa

    @yvonaamariaa

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DoctorODonovan Hi, it's Yvonne Meehan. I just got a text from someone who asked about the biopsy of a suspicious mole I had. When I answered I realized that I didn't let you all know how it came out. I'm so pleased to tell you that it was benign and no further testing is needed. Thank you for caring.

  • @dlunch794
    @dlunch7942 жыл бұрын

    I just noticed throughout the week that I have a mole that appears to be evolving and is different to all my other moles. I have a dermatology appointment set up for two and a half weeks from now but I’m worried that I’m waiting too long. Is this a normal and safe wait time for most people?

  • @evesmith3965

    @evesmith3965

    2 жыл бұрын

    Most melanomas are very slow growing so a couple of weeks will not make a difference .

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hope this was resolved

  • @kiwipics
    @kiwipics9 ай бұрын

    The size / width of the mole has nothing to do with it as something as small as 1mm has the potential be malignant. I've had multiple moles removed from my arms, torso and soles of my feet, and my dermatologist got very worried about the 1mm growth on the sole of my right foot. My latest one to grab my attention is the middle toenail on my left foot, and I'm off to my GP to get a referral to the dermatologist.What looked like a fungal issue isn't.

  • @miriammillan
    @miriammillan2 жыл бұрын

    Are moles that appear after hormonal changes need to concern us? Is the same as ones that appear for sun damage?

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi I am not sure about the specific answer to this question

  • @noemiflores7497
    @noemiflores7497 Жыл бұрын

    Just had melanoma removed from my knee… scared waiting on the lab so they can stitch me up.

  • @gowiththeflow975
    @gowiththeflow975 Жыл бұрын

    I have many worrying looking moles but haven't been able to afford health insurance for me and can't afford to see a doctor, get biopsies, and possible cancer treatment. Gotta love America.

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    Жыл бұрын

    Sorry to hear this - please seek out charitable or not for profit hospitals in your state if you can.

  • @savageanims1408
    @savageanims14083 жыл бұрын

    I have one mole on my foot, what does this mean? It’s normal, no irregular borders, it’s not abnormally large or raised, so is it just a normal mole?

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    3 жыл бұрын

    Unfortunately I can't give personal medical advice out on my channel but if you have any medical concerns please visit your nearest medical practitioner

  • @Silentafterthought

    @Silentafterthought

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes it's normal I have one on my left foot and one on my right I also have displasic Nevis atypical mole syndrome I have already had melanoma removed from my back my abdomen has two that need to be removed thankfully I have a good mohs surgery doctor and caught the melanoma in time

  • @Silentafterthought

    @Silentafterthought

    3 жыл бұрын

    Just keep an eye on your moles go see a dermatologist for a screening if you have other moles on your body it never hurts to get checked out even if it looks normal

  • @RoseanneB13
    @RoseanneB132 жыл бұрын

    This might sound stupid so sorry in advance but can a hair follicle and melanoma coincide in a mole?

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    2 жыл бұрын

    Not a stupid question at all - I think this research will be helpful for you and answer your question: www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/some-melanomas-may-start-hair-follicles Thanks for commenting.

  • @RoseanneB13

    @RoseanneB13

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@DoctorODonovan thank you so much 🙏

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@RoseanneB13 no problem!

  • @sujataparida7805
    @sujataparida7805 Жыл бұрын

    My mother has a mole on her Back it's 9mm and has a border except from the lower part from where a discoloration is visible. The mole is raised. I first noticed it 3 years ago. It has not changed shape or color. My mother is indian but her skin I fair. Do you think it's melanoma?

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for watching the video and taking time to leave a comment. Unfortunately (and I know this will be frustrating for you), I am unable to give individual medical advice out on this channel. This is because of medico-legal reasons, not knowing your full case, circumstances and it would be unethical of me to do so otherwise. I have included the general resources I used to make this video in the description box but I have to advise that you speak to your own health provider (e.g. doctor, nurse) so that they can properly assess your case. Thanks for understanding.

  • @catty_perry
    @catty_perry2 жыл бұрын

    i've gotten a lot of moles on my shoulders, they also got onto my upper back and spread overtime to my arm, they're pretty small, dont think theres any asymmetrical ones or >6 mm ones. i think there's some that have a very small colour differences, im also pretty tan and i've gotten a pretty high amount of sunburns (>3 sunburns). should i get reviewed by an dermatologist? i'm pretty worried about it

  • @catty_perry

    @catty_perry

    2 жыл бұрын

    some of them have irregular borders but like not a lot

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    Жыл бұрын

    I am sorry but for medico-legal and ethical reasons I can't give individual clinical advice on this channel. This is designed as a general education channel. Please consult your doctor or health provider for individual questions and concerns - if you're worried about moles see a doctor. I hope you found the video informative nontheless. Best wishes.

  • @GodLovesYouAllTheTime
    @GodLovesYouAllTheTime Жыл бұрын

    Aww man, I have that first picture A right under my left breast. It has a black area and a flatter area. Now I’m really scared.

  • @lauralou4852

    @lauralou4852

    Жыл бұрын

    I have a mole on my arm that’s always been big. It has 2 different colors in it and looks like a splash of water, not round. 😩 I think we both ought to call a doctor and get it looked at but don’t be scared! Worry never serves you. It only takes your energy and doesn’t change the outcome anyway… so why not just assume the best! I’m partially giving myself that advice too. 😅 wishing you all the Best ❤

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes please see your doctor if you have any concerns

  • @ThembileMpucane-ee2xy
    @ThembileMpucane-ee2xy Жыл бұрын

    Is it possible to treat melanoma cancer if its fully spread to your body?

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    Жыл бұрын

    It would need evaluation by an oncology MDT regarding treatment options.

  • @josephinealinoti2908
    @josephinealinoti29085 ай бұрын

    Monday

  • @jonakrasniqi7447
    @jonakrasniqi7447 Жыл бұрын

    what if my mole has all A B C D but i dont think i've seen it evolving (it's on the back of my shoulder)

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    Жыл бұрын

    Please see a doctor.

  • @jonakrasniqi7447

    @jonakrasniqi7447

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DoctorODonovan thanks for replying,i will go if i can

  • @girijan8374

    @girijan8374

    Жыл бұрын

    Hui my husband have the same type of mole in his back... In that mole have some liquid... If you have these type of liquid in your mole... Pls reply... What can I want to further pl tell me...

  • @komaliv1495

    @komaliv1495

    2 ай бұрын

    What about your moles now. Did u consult doctor

  • @jonakrasniqi7447

    @jonakrasniqi7447

    2 ай бұрын

    @@komaliv1495 yes I did, told me to get it removed and went through with operation :)

  • @fatemehb8585
    @fatemehb85854 жыл бұрын

    About Molly ,The risk factors that I can mention are : 🌟1.Sun exposure , she goes to the beach alot (australian's common hobby) 🌟2.she has an unusual mole on her foot ,People with many moles or unusual moles called dysplastic nevi or atypical moles have a higher risk of developing melanoma 🌟3.she is white ,People with fair complexion, blond or red hair, blue eyes, and freckles are at increased risk for developing melanoma. 🌟4.she is 40 y.o ,The median age at which people are diagnosed with melanoma 🌟5. she is diabetic & she may take medications that have Weakened or suppressed her immune system + the fact that she drinks alcohole alot

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi, Fatemeh! Great responses. In terms of risk factors you are right with the following: - Sun exposure - She has Fitzpatrick Grade I skin thus putting her at higher risk of melanoma - She might have immunosupression (although it isn't mentioned directly in the case). In terms of Risk Factors specifically I would probably say that age in this case isn't as major a risk factor since melanoma is actually very common in young people as is one of the most common cancers in people under the age of 30 (especially women). In terms of 'unusual moles' you are right in that atypical mole syndrome increase risk of melanoma, however in this case it doesn't mention the specific number of moles she has (just that she has noticed one ununsual one). Atypical mole syndrome is a condition where someone has over 50 moles on their body, and three or more are atypical. Atypical in this case means over 5mm or unusual in shape or colour. If you have Atypical Mole Syndrome, you are at a 7-10 fold increased risk of melanoma. Well done! I will post the next part of the case tomorrow :)

  • @fatemehb8585

    @fatemehb8585

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@DoctorODonovan Hi dr O'donovan😊thank u 🙏the point u mentioned about the age (the fact that melanoma is very common in people under the age of 30 ) is interesting to me BC I used to think that its not much common in young people , so thank u for correcting me👌👍Also u said melanoma is more common in women but u didn't mention why 🤔I guess a reason for that can be the make up products that women use BC the materials/elements in the make up products (specially the cheaper ones) such as mercury , Cadmium , Talc, Toluene etc can stimulate the Cell division ( Mitosis of the skin cells) in an abnormal way which eventually can lead to getting cancer! What do u think ?... I really enjoyed your vid & Im looking forward to your next vid, tomorrow :)

  • @Silentafterthought

    @Silentafterthought

    3 жыл бұрын

    I don't lay in the sun or use tanning beds my dermatologist found early stage melanoma on my back and removed it I do have many moles on my back and arms abdomen is getting surgery next thank you for doing these videos it saves lives and mine it helps us know what we're looking for to help our dermatologist

  • @josephinealinoti2908
    @josephinealinoti29085 ай бұрын

    Deborah Pamela Darling jojo ❤️💝💕 LaGrin Houston Texas

  • @CarolynDenison
    @CarolynDenison2 жыл бұрын

    WHAT ABVOUT BITTOM LIP?.

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    2 жыл бұрын

    If you're asking if it is possible for melanomas to be present on the bottom lip then yes it is.

  • @dianewilhelm6236
    @dianewilhelm6236 Жыл бұрын

    What if the size of it is 1 inch

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    Жыл бұрын

    Please see a doctor if concerned

  • @golkgermany6552
    @golkgermany65522 жыл бұрын

    The sun quenches the earth from the alien element

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching

  • @Mike-zn4gb
    @Mike-zn4gb Жыл бұрын

    Looks like a spider bite.

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    @rosewillsonfred9752

    Жыл бұрын

    I want to Share This testimony. And also thanking God For Saving my life Through #DrAlaka Who Cures All kinds Of Deadly Virus. With is Gift Of Herbal remedy. Want to say a big thanks to you #DrAlaka for saving me from Cancer Virus that I have suffer for long Now with your herbal Remedy. God Bless you Sir. Add on KZread @ #drAlaka or through👉kzread.info/dron/mkfwnFpXrrsHSxXmdgmCLg.html

  • @DoctorODonovan

    @DoctorODonovan

    Жыл бұрын

    Melanomas are very serious and need urgent medical attention

  • @antonellasottile4020
    @antonellasottile4020Ай бұрын

    .