ABCDE’s of skin cancer

Remember your ABCDE’s when detecting skin cancer:

  • Asymmetry
  • Most melanomas are asymmetrical; a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.
  • Border Irregularity
  • The borders of melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges. Common moles have smoother more even borders.
  • Color Variability
  • Varied shades of brown, tan, or black are often the first sign of Melanoma. As melanomas progress, the colors red, white, and blue may appear. Common moles are usually a single shade of brown.
  • Diameter
  • Early melanomas tend to grow larger than common moles; generally to at least the size of a pencil eraser (6mm). However, they may be smaller.
  • Evolving
  • Any evolution (change) in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or a new sympton such as bleeding, itching, or crusting points to danger.