Melanoma affects 1 in 5 people in the country post the age of 70. Did you know that when you have 5 or more sunburns, the risk of developing skin cancer doubles? Apart from the problem of developing tumors, do you know what are complications of melanoma? Read on.

1. Scarring
Melanoma usually attacks the outermost skin tissues. For some people though, the tumor can develop deep into the skin’s surface and lead to permanent scarring of the skin. The development of large-sized abnormal moles in the skin also leads to skin scarring.

2. Risk of Wound Infections
Melanoma affects the regular functioning of the skin and this can lead to an increased risk of skin infections. Bacteria and fungi easily enter the skin’s surface and infections range from simple acne and cellulite to even sepsis. If you have been taking treatment for melanoma, this can also increase the risk of skin infections.

3. Seroma
Seroma is fluid buildup under the skin’s surface, which is usually a side-effect of surgery or skin cancer. This fluid is called serum, and it leads to swelling in the region and pain. Seroma is a very common complication of melanoma and needs to be treated right away to avoid complications.

4. Lymphedema
One of the common answers to the question of what are complications of melanoma is lymphedema. This is similar to seroma and causes fluid build-up under the skin because of damage to the lymph nodes and the lymphatic system. When the lymph nodes are removed because the skin cancer has spread, this condition is very commonly noted.

5. Mental Stress and Anxiety
One of the understated yet commonly occurring answers to the question of what are complications of melanoma is mental problems. Anxiety, stress, and depression after a melanoma diagnosis are very common. Some people are worried about the metastasis of cancer and others are anxious about the tumors being visible to others around. It is very important to take help from a mental health expert to make the recovery process easier.

6. Metastasis of Cance
One of the biggest complications of any type of cancer, including melanoma is metastasis. This term identifies a stage where cancer has spread to nearby regions and organs in the body. Most people diagnose skin cancer only after it reaches the metastasis stage. If cancer reaches the bones from the skin, it can lead to bones becoming fragile and brittle and pain in the legs. Bone breakdown and frequent fractures are also common. For some people, cancer can spread from the skin to the major organs like the lungs and liver, which makes the condition more complicated.

All these points are answers to the question of what are complications of melanoma. Melanoma can be easily treated if caught early. Be cautious about changes in your skin and contact your doctor if you find any abnormalities.