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 symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting points to danger.