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Melanoma/Skin Cancer Health Center

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Melanoma/Skin Cancer Health Center

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ABCDEs of Melanoma Skin Cancer

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.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Revised	December 17, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 17, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.