ABCDEs of Melanoma Skin Cancer

The ABCDEs of melanoma

Source: NCI Visuals Online. Skin Cancer Foundation. http://visualsonline.cancer.gov/about.cfm

The ABCDEs of melanoma skin cancer are:

Asymmetry. One half doesn't match the appearance of the other half.
Border irregularity. The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color. The color (pigmentation) is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to a mottled appearance.
Diameter. The size of the mole is greater than 1/4 inch (6 mm), about the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth of a mole should be evaluated.
Evolution. There is a change in the size, shape, symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or color of a mole.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology
Last Revised	October 12, 2012

By:

Healthwise Staff

Last Revised: October 12, 2012

Medical Review:

Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology

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