Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous of all skin cancers. It is also becoming increasingly common. What is truly shocking is the fact that malignant melanoma is one of the most common tumors in people between the ages of 20 and 29. The average age of onset for women is 59, which is below the average age for men, which is 67.Important: Melanomas can occur anywhere on the skin. In men, they are very often found on the torso, while in women they are more common on the arms and legs. Melanomas can develop from scratch or from an existing mole or liver spot. Congenital moles also carry a certain risk of degenerating into malignant melanoma.


Regular self-examination offers a great opportunity to detect cancer at such an early stage that it can be cured before it spreads and becomes life-threatening, especially in the case of malignant skin diseases that develop visibly on the outside.The following six signs may indicate melanoma.

• A mole is significantly darker—even brownish-black or black in color; it stands out clearly from other moles.
• A mole is irregular in shape and/or color.
• A mole changes color, becoming lighter or darker.
• A pigmented mole has already reached a diameter of 2 mm.
• After years of remaining unchanged, a pigmented mole suddenly starts to grow again.
• You feel an existing or new pigmented mole – for example, because it burns, itches, or even bleeds.

Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous of all skin cancers. It is also becoming increasingly common. What is truly shocking is the fact that malignant melanoma is one of the most common tumors in people between the ages of 20 and 29. The average age of onset for women is 59, which is below the average age for men, which is 67.Important: Melanomas can occur anywhere on the skin. In men, they are very often found on the torso, while in women they are more common on the arms and legs. Melanomas can develop from scratch or from an existing mole or liver spot. Congenital moles also carry a certain risk of degenerating into malignant melanoma.


Regular self-examination offers a great opportunity to detect cancer at such an early stage that it can be cured before it spreads and becomes life-threatening, especially in the case of malignant skin diseases that develop visibly on the outside.The following six signs may indicate melanoma.

• A mole is significantly darker—even brownish-black or black in color; it stands out clearly from other moles.
• A mole is irregular in shape and/or color.
• A mole changes color, becoming lighter or darker.
• A pigmented mole has already reached a diameter of 2 mm.
• After years of remaining unchanged, a pigmented mole suddenly starts to grow again.
• You feel an existing or new pigmented mole – for example, because it burns, itches, or even bleeds.

The short answer is: if you notice a skin lesion or mole that fits one of the ABCDE guidelines or the Ugly Duckling rule, or if you see a new mole or skin lesion, you should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider who has experience with melanoma. Identifying new or changing moles/lesions is key to early detection. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. If left untreated, it can spread and become deadly. That’s why it’s important to know when it’s time to see a doctor.

SkinScreener allows you to monitor your moles and skinlesions very easily.