ABCDEs

Regular skin self-examinations can help people detect these changes. When looking for a melanoma on the skin, it is helpful to apply the ABCDE rules:

A stands for ASYMMETRY; one half unlike the other half.

B stands for BORDER; irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.

C stands for COLOR; varied from one area to another; shades of tan, brown, and black; sometimes white, red, or blue.

D stands for DIAMETER; melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller.

E stands for EVOLVING; a mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.

During a skin self-examination, it is helpful to keep in mind that moles are generally uniform in color, round to oval in shape, and have a well-defined border. Melanomas tend to have one or more ABCDE traits; some have several ABCDE traits. Melanomas can vary greatly in appearance.

Make an appointment to see a dermatologist who should examine any mole that has one or more ABCDE traits and all new growths.