Melanoma Is Being Overdiagnosed. Here's Everything You Should Know

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. While melanoma can be life-threatening, early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. However, its overdiagnosis is another challenge.

Melanoma overdiagnosis refers to cases where a lesion is diagnosed as melanoma but would not have caused harm if left untreated. A recent study has suggested that nearly half of melanoma diagnoses may be unnecessary. Notably, this study was limited to White Americans, a demographic more prone to melanoma. Researchers found that 65% of White women and 50% of White men were overdiagnosed. This trend raises concerns about the implications of overdiagnosis.

While early detection is often touted as the key to reducing melanoma deaths, research suggests otherwise. Health experts say that identifying more early-stage melanomas has not resulted in fewer advanced melanoma cases or reduced death rates. If early detection effectively prevented melanoma from progressing, the number of advanced cases should have declined. However, this has not been observed. Many Stage 0 melanomas do not develop into advanced-stage cancers, but because doctors cannot determine which ones might progress, all are typically treated. This conservative approach can lead to unnecessary stress and treatments for patients. It has also overburdened the healthcare system which has to cater to increased number of diagnosis and tests.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. While it can occur anywhere on the skin, it often develops on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, back, and legs. Melanoma can also appear in less-exposed areas, like the soles of the feet, palms, or under the nails, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. Although rare, melanoma may develop in the eyes, mouth, or internal organs.

The condition can be life-threatening if it spreads to other parts of the body, but early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. It is often linked to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, though genetic predisposition and family history also play roles.

The primary sign of melanoma is a new or changing mole, freckle, or skin lesion. The "ABCDE rule" helps identify suspicious moles:

- Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.

- Border: Irregular or scalloped edges.

- Color: Multiple shades or unusual colours like red, white, or blue.

- Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

- Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or colour.

Additional symptoms may include itching, bleeding, or a sore that doesn’t heal. Prompt medical attention is essential for suspicious skin changes.