Source: NCI Visuals Online. Skin Cancer
Foundation. http://visualsonline.cancer.gov/about.cfm
The ABCDs 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.
Primary Medical Reviewer
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer
Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
Last Updated
January 11, 2007
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
January 11, 2007
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