Source: NCI Visuals Online. Skin Cancer Foundation.
http://visualsonline.cancer.gov/about.cfm
The ABCDEs 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.
Evolution. There is a change in the size, shape,
symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or
color of a mole.
Primary Medical Reviewer
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer
Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Updated
December 5, 2008
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
December 05, 2008
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