A = AsymmetryABCDEs of Melanoma
One half is unlike the other half.
Melanoma: Signs and Symptoms
Anyone can get melanoma. It’s important to take time to look at the moles on your skin because this is a good way to find melanoma early. When checking your skin, you should look for the ABCDEs of melanoma.
B = BorderABCDEs of Melanoma
An irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
C = ColorABCDEs of Melanoma
Is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown or black, or is sometimes white, red, or blue.
D = DiameterABCDEs of Melanoma
Melanomas usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller.
E = EvolvingABCDEs of Melanoma
A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.
Signs of Melanoma
If you see a mole or new spot on your skin that has any of the ABCDEs, immediately make an appointment to see a dermatologist. The most common early signs (what you see) of melanoma are:
- Growing mole on your skin.
- Unusual looking mole on your skin or a mole that does not look like any other mole on your skin (the ugly duckling).
- Non-uniform mole (has an odd shape, uneven or uncertain border, different colors).
Symptoms of Melanoma
In the early stages, melanoma may not cause any symptoms (what you feel). But sometimes melanoma will:
- Itch
- Bleed
- Feel painful
Many melanomas have these signs and symptoms, but not all. There are actually different types of melanoma. One type can first appear as a brown or black streak underneath a fingernail or toenail. Melanoma also can look like a bruise that just won’t heal.
