WHAT DOES A MELANOMA LOOK LIKE?

• Benign moles tend to be small, round or oval, one color with a smooth boarder.
  
• Melanomas tend to be larger, irregularly-shaped, dark or multicolored, irregular-bordered, and/or growing.
  
• Although they can be raised, early melanomas tend to be flat.
  

This melanoma has all the features: large, irregular edges, multicolored, with some very dark black areas.

The "ugly duckling sign" of melanoma refers to the fact that a melanoma often looks different from the other moles. This spot on the upper back was a melanoma.

The ABCDE Criteria is often used by dermtalogists to evaluate moles.

ABCDE Criteria: Any lesion with 2 or more feathures should be removed.

 A      Asymmetric shape        
 B      Border, irregular        
 C      Colors, multiple or dark black        
 D      Diameter, 7 mm. or greater
 E      Evolving

Asymmetric

A normal mole is usually round or oval.

A melanoma is often assymmetry in shape (or color).

Border, Irregular

A smooth border is a good sign.

An irregular, notched border is a worrisome sign (here a melanoma).

Color, Dark or Multi-Colored

Uniform coloration is a good sign.

A very dark black or a multi-colored mole is a worrisome sign (here a melanoma).

Diameter 7 mm or Greater

A small lesion is a good sign.

Diameter 7 mm or greater ("larger than a pencil eraser") is a worrisome sign (here a melanoma).

Evolving/Changing

Any mole that has been stable for years and then suddenly changes should be considered for biopsy. This mole has been stable, unchanged in size or shape for years (benign mole).

The dark growth in this "mole" was new (and turned out to be a melanoma).

Final Thoughts

• Get to know your moles.
• Check your entire skin once a month. Enlist the help of a partner for your back, scalp and other hard-to-see areas.
  
• If no one is available, use a hand-held mirror and a full length mirror (or see a dermatologist!).
• If you have any concerns whatsoever about a mole, please see your doctor right away.

RegionalDerm