ABCDE’s of Melanoma

The ABCDEs of melanoma are a set of visual characteristics that healthcare providers and individuals can use to identify potentially cancerous moles and suspicious skin lesions to help recognize early warning signs of melanoma when it is most easily cured.

Dr. Stees uses these warning signs when conducting an annual skin cancer checkup and when a patient presents with suspicious lesions. These signs should also be used by patients when performing monthly skin checks. Any growth that causes itching or bleeding and won’t heal is cause for concern. If you spot a lesion that manifests the signs of ABCDEs it an alert that it is time to seek the professional opinion of a board-certified dermatologist.

What are the ABCDEs?

A – Asymmetry: Common moles are typically round or oval and symmetrical meaning if you cut it in half both sides would mirror each other. A melanoma is often asymmetric, meaning that one half of the mole or lesion looks different from the other half. This is because melanoma cells often grow in an irregular, uneven pattern.

B – Border: The border of a melanoma may be irregular or blurry, while a benign mole usually has a smooth and well-defined border. The border of a melanoma may also be jagged or scalloped, with uneven edges.

C – Color: The color of a melanoma may be uneven or different from the surrounding skin. Melanomas can be different shades of brown, black, or even red, white, or blue. A benign mole is typically a single color, and it may be a consistent shade of brown, tan, or black.

D – Diameter: Melanomas are typically larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm or 1/4 inch), but they can be smaller. It’s important to note that the size of a mole alone does not determine whether it is cancerous or not, as melanomas can be smaller than this size.
E – Evolution: Changes in the mole’s size, shape, color, or texture over time can be a warning sign of melanoma. This includes moles that are growing, changing color, or becoming raised or bumpy. It’s important to note that not all changes in moles are a sign of melanoma, but any change should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

It’s also worth noting that there is another letter that has been added to the ABCDEs in recent years: F, which stands for “Funny-looking”. This refers to any mole or lesion that just looks unusual or different from other moles on your skin, even if it doesn’t fit into the other categories. If you notice a mole or lesion that just looks “off” or different, it’s important to have it evaluated by Dr. Stees.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) provides a downloadable body mole map for you to use during your regular skin self-examinations.

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Dr. Marc Stees in a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in Dixon, Illinois. He treats all skin conditions including skin cancer, and more importantly he treats people! He is a kind, respectful and compassionate human who will take the time to listen to your concerns. Contact Dr. Stees to schedule a consultation to address your skin concerns or to schedule an annual skin check to help prevent or diagnose skin cancer early for the best possible outcome.