Know Your ABCDEs of Skin cancer

Know Your ABCDEs of Skin cancer


Most moles on a person's body look similar to one another. A mole or freckle that looks different from the others or that has a diameter larger than a pencil eraser or any characteristics of the ABCDEs of melanoma should be checked by a dermatologist. It could be cancerous. The ABCDEs are important characteristics to consider when examining your moles or other skin growths, so learn them in the slides to come.


A is for Asymmetry 
Asymmetry means one half of a mole does not match the other half. Normal moles are symmetrical. When checking your moles or freckles, draw an imaginary line through the middle and compare the two halves. If they do not look the same on both sides, have it checked by a dermatologist.

 'B' is for Border
If the border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred, or irregular, have it checked by a dermatologist. Melanoma lesions often have uneven borders.

 'C' is for Color


A mole that does not have the same color throughout or that has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red is suspicious. Normal moles are usually a single shade of color. A mole of many shades or that has lightened or darkened should be checked by a doctor.

 'D' is for Diameter
A mole is suspicious if the diameter is larger than the eraser of a pencil. Benign moles are usually less than 6 millimeters in diameter.

 'E' is for Elevation


If a portion of the mole appears elevated, or raised from the skin, have it looked at by a doctor. Melanoma lesions often grow in size or change in height rapidly. A mole that is evolving – shrinking, growing larger, changing color, begins to itch or bleed – should also be checked.