Signs of Melanoma

Look for A, B, C, D, E

What does melanoma look like?

Melanomas usually look like a mole with a shape that is "asymmetrical" (not the same on both sides). They usually have uneven borders or edges and patchy coloring, and they measure more than ¼ inch across.

It is important to know the difference between an ordinary, harmless mole and a mole that can grow into melanoma. An ordinary mole is usually an even-colored brown, tan, or black spot on the skin. It can be either flat or raised, round or oval. Ordinary moles are generally smaller than a pencil eraser. They may be present at birth or appear during childhood or adulthood. Several moles may appear on the skin at the same time, especially on areas of the skin that receive a lot of sunlight. Most people have from 10 to 40 harmless moles. These ordinary moles usually stay the same size, shape, and color for many years.

Moles that develop into melanoma tend to look different from ordinary moles. They have certain unusual features and they often change in size, shape, or color.

A good way to remember what to look for is "ABCDE."

Asymmetry

Melanomas are generally asymmetric, meaning that one side of the mole looks different from the other. Ordinary moles are usually symmetric, either round or oval.

Borders

Melanomas have uneven borders (edges) that are ragged, notched, or blurred. Ordinary moles have even borders.

Color

Melanomas have uneven coloring. They may have patchy areas of brown, blue, red, tan, white, gray, or pink. Ordinary moles are usually an even shade of brown or tan.

Diameter

Melanomas are usually more than ¼ inch in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser) but some may be smaller than this size. Ordinary moles are usually smaller and stay the same size and shape.

Evolution

Melanomas usually change in size, shape, or color over a short period of time. Ordinary moles stay the same size, shape, and color for many years.

Moles versus Melanoma