Melanoma is the most severe kind of skin cancer, and it generally starts developing in the cells that make melanin, the cells that give your skin color. This cancer can start forming in the eyes and very rarely inside the body as well. Here are some signs and symptoms of melanoma that one should not ignore:

Marks
The dangerous part about melanoma is that it can appear anywhere on your body. It can often be seen on body parts that are generally exposed to the sun like arms and legs. Hidden spots can be found on the soles of the feet or inside the fingernails. These are more frequent in people with darker skin. Usually, the first sign of melanoma is the development of new and unusual growth on the skin. 

Normal moles
Moles on a person’s body are generally brown or black. They are either round or oval and can be distinctly differentiated from your actual skin color. Moles appear during childhood and can keep appearing until the age of 40. Some moles may even disappear after a little while. However, if you notice an old mole changing color or size, it can be a concerning factor. 

Strange moles
The acronym ABCDE can help a person identify strange moles that appear on the body and decide when to go see a doctor. These could be early signs of skin cancer. 

• A
  This stands for the asymmetrical shape of a mole. If you have a very distinct shape of a mole, it may be dangerous.
• B
  It stands for the border. Almost all moles have their own border that is clearly defined. Moles which have irregular border may be characteristic of melanoma.
• C
  It stands for change in the color of the mole. This could be an existing mole that changed color or a new one that has an unusual color.
• D
  The diameter of the mole should not be any longer than 6 millimeters. 
• E
  Stand for evolving changes in a mole over time. If any of the above changes occur or you see new symptoms like bleeding or itching, consult a doctor. 

Hidden moles
Certain melanomas can also appear in places that don’t get exposed to the sun. This happens in people who have a darker skin color. These hidden moles can be seen:

• Under the nail
  This mole appears under fingernail or toenails. It is rare and sometimes can even be found in the soles of the feet. 
• In the mouth or vagina
  This type of melanoma appears in the mouth, anus, urinary tracts, and vagina and is difficult to diagnose. 

These signs and symptoms of melanoma should be kept in mind, and if you ever come across any of these, make sure to consult a doctor immediately.