Physical Warning Signs of Melanoma
Melanoma may appear anywhere on the body. Often, the first sign is a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of an existing mole. Most melanomas have a black or blue-black area. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole, which may be black or abnormal in appearance. Understanding the symptoms of the disease can lead to early detection and successful treatment.
ABCDEs of Melanoma Symptoms
Thinking of “ABCDE” can help an individual remember melanoma warning signs:
Asymmetry–The shape of one half of the mole does not match the other half.
Border–The mole’s edges are often ragged, notched, blurred, or irregular in outline. The pigment may spread into the surrounding skin.
Color–The color of the mole is uneven. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, grey, red, pink, or blue also may be visible.
Diameter–The size of the mole has changed, usually by growing larger. Melanomas are typically bigger than the eraser of a pencil (1/4 in. or 5 mm).
Evolving–There is a change in the mole’s size, shape and symptoms, surface or shades of color.
Melanomas can vary greatly in appearance. While many cases will exhibit all of the “ABCDE” features, some may only indicate one or two of them. Any mole that bleeds spontaneously should be checked by a physician. The ABCDE warning signs cannot take the place of an annual exam by a physician.