Diameter

Diameter of a mole

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

The most important warning sign for melanoma is a change in size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin growth, such as a birthmark. One of the things to watch for is diameter.

Diameter is width. If the diameter across a mole or skin growth is larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm), or about the size of a pencil eraser, talk to your doctor. Also, call your doctor if any mole seems to be growing, even if it is still smaller than 1/4 inch (6 mm).

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerAmy McMichael, MD - Dermatology
Last RevisedOctober 12, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 12, 2012
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology

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