ABCDEs of Melanoma

M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Date: May 2008

Susan Chon, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology, explains the warning signs of melanoma.

Dr. Chon:

So the ABCDEs of melanoma are signs that dermatologists use to assess a mole. They help us guide -- they help guide us to determine if a mole is a malignant melanoma. So these are the same tools we teach our patients in clinic, so that when they go home they can examine their own skin.

And A stands for asymmetry. That means the mole is not symmetric, meaning if you put a mirror down the middle, it should look similar on both sides.

B is the border. The border should be smooth. It shouldn't be jagged or scalloped. It should be a smooth, even border.

C stands for color. It should be one color. Some people have some moles that are pink, some are more tan and others may be brown, but within a single mole, it should have one color.

D is diameter. The diameter should be smaller than six millimeters, which is the top of a pencil eraser. Some of your moles may have come up already that are large and that's okay. If the moles change and get larger or grow or expand, you should be careful and have those examined.

And E stands for evolution. Moles can change and they can change in many ways, so if you ever develop symptoms, such as itching, burning, scaling, anything that makes the mole feel or look funny, you should have that mole evaluated.

Narrator:

To learn more, visit the melanoma page of the M. D. Anderson Web site.