ABCDEs of Skin Cancer

Healthy moles are usually symmetrical, which means if you were to draw an imaginary line down the middle, both halves would look very similar. An asymmetrical mole does not match on both sides. For example, one half may be round, while the other half may be irregularly shaped. Asymmetry is one of the earliest and most important warning signs of melanoma, one of the most serious types of skin cancer.

The border of a harmless mole is typically smooth, clear, and easy to define. A mole that may be cancerous often has uneven, jagged, or blurred edges. Instead of forming a neat circle or oval, the border may look scalloped or notched. This irregular outline is a red flag and should always be evaluated by a dermatologist specializing in diagnosing and treating skin cancer.

Benign moles usually have one consistent shade of brown or tan. A mole that shows multiple colors within the same spot – such as different shades of brown, black, red, white, or even blue – may be a sign of melanoma. Uneven coloring or changes in the color of a mole should never be ignored.

While skin cancers can be smaller, moles that measure larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) are more likely to be concerning. If a mole is larger than this or growing, it should be evaluated. Keep in mind that early detection can catch skin cancers even when they are still small, so size is only one part of the picture.

Perhaps the most important letter in the ABCDEs of skin cancer is “E.” A mole that is evolving, or changing in size, shape, color, or texture, should be evaluated by a dermatologist like Dr. Freedman. Any new symptom, such as bleeding, crusting, or itching, is also cause for concern. Since skin cancers can develop quickly, noticing changes early allows for faster diagnosis and treatment.