When Sarah first noticed a tiny, almost imperceptible mark on her skin, she never imagined it would turn out to be a life-threatening condition. The 34-year-old mother from Manchester is now sharing her story to warn others about the subtle signs of melanoma.
The Moment That Changed Everything
"It was smaller than a freckle," Sarah recalls. "Just a faint dark spot that didn't look right." Unlike typical skin cancer warnings about changing moles, this mark was barely noticeable - yet it turned out to be an aggressive form of melanoma.
Subtle Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Doctors later explained that melanoma doesn't always follow the "ABCDE" rule (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving) that most people know about. Sarah's cancer manifested as:
- A tiny dark spot (smaller than 2mm)
- No raised edges or irregular shape
- No noticeable changes over time
The Shocking Diagnosis
After insisting on a biopsy, Sarah received devastating news: "They told me if I'd waited just three more months, it would have been too late." The cancer had already begun spreading to her lymph nodes.
Life-Saving Treatment
Sarah underwent:
- Immediate surgery to remove the tumour
- Lymph node removal
- Immunotherapy treatment
Now cancer-free, she's determined to raise awareness about less obvious skin cancer symptoms.
Expert Advice: What to Look For
Dermatologists emphasize that any new or unusual mark on your skin warrants attention, no matter how small. Key warning signs include:
- Any spot that looks different from others on your body
- Small dark lesions that appear suddenly
- Areas that itch, bleed or won't heal
Sarah's message is clear: "Don't dismiss small changes. That tiny dot saved my life because I acted on it."
