Early-stage melanoma may look like amolethat changes in appearance, with uneven borders or multiple colors.
However, melanoma can become life-threatening if it spreads to other parts of the body.
Regular skin checks and early detection are key to improving survival rates.
Skin Cancer Foundation
The ABCDE Rule of Melanoma
What Are the ABCDEs of Melanoma?
The ABCDEs of melanoma are a common way to remember the signs of early melanoma.
Can Melanoma Occur Without a Mole?
Skin Cancer Foundation
Not all melanomas begin as moles.
A = Asymmetry
Skin Cancer Foundation
Unlike healthy moles, melanomas are not symmetrical.
C = Color
The color of melanoma isn’t consistent.
Skin Cancer Foundation
D = Diameter
Melanomas grow.
Normal moles don’t.
Melanomas tend to be larger, with a diameter of more than 6 mm.
Skin Cancer Foundation
For perspective, 6 mm is just under 1/4 inch or about the size of a pencil eraser.
However, keep in mind that smaller moles or spots can be melanoma, too.
E = Evolving
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/amelanotic-melanoma-images/?stage=Live
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/amelanotic-melanoma-images/?stage=Live
The “E” in the ABCDE guide stands for “evolving.”
That’s because melanomas change in size, shape, color, and thickness over time.
Ugly Duckling
Most normal moles on your body resemble one another.
These “ugly duckling” spots can be larger, smaller, lighter, or darker than surrounding moles.
It might also be a spot all by itself (isolated) with no moles around it.
Other Warning Signs
Not all melanomas are detectable by ABCDE.
Other warning signs include:
How Quickly Does Melanoma Spread?
Melanoma can spread relatively quickly compared toother skin cancers.
Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing further spread.
What Organs Does Melanoma Spread to First?
When Is Melanoma Too Late?
Melanoma is difficult to cure when it reaches stage IV.
Approximately 50% of people with stage IV melanoma develop metastasis to the brain.
The prognosis for brain metastasis is quite poor, with a median overall survival of about three months.
Don’t hesitate to see a healthcare provider if something seems off.
Such changes can be signs of melanoma andother forms of skin cancer, includingbasal celland squamous cell carcinomas.
Summary
Normal moles are symmetrical, small, and usually flat.
They have a smooth border and consistent coloration.
Melanomas are often asymmetrical, larger than 6mm, and elevated.
They have irregular borders and inconsistent coloring.
Melanomas change over time.
Normal moles don’t.
You should keep an eye on your moles.
But don’t trust your health to a self-exam.
If anything about a mole seems off or changes, get it checked.
An early melanoma diagnosis meansearly treatmentwhich gives you a better outlook.
National Cancer Institute.Moles to melanoma: Recognizing the ABCDE features.
2023 Apr;13(4):974. doi:10.3390/life13040974
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Skin cancer incidence rates.
National Cancer Institute.Melanoma cells are more likely to spread after a stopover in lymph nodes.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma warning signs.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of melanoma skin cancer.
2020 Apr;30(2):193-197. doi:10.1097/CMR.0000000000000619
City of Hope.Metastatic melanoma.
American Cancer Society.Treatment of melanoma skin cancer, by stage.
doi:10.1002/cnr2.1691
American Cancer Society.How to do a skin self-exam.
American Academy of Dermatology.Moles: Overview.
