How to differentiate between melanoma & a mole

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer but it can be hard to identify. The ABCDE guide helps. If your mole fits the characteristics below, call your dermatologist pronto: 

Asymmetry—if the mole could be folded in half, the two halves wouldn’t match

Border irregularities—the mole’s borders are uneven or blurred

Color variations—the mole has mixed shades of tan, brown, black or other hues

Diameter—the spot is bigger than a pencil eraser

Evolution—its appearance has changed in some way

“Skin cancer is highly curable when it’s found early,” says  a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University. “Keep an eye on your skin and look for changes.” Still, not every mole or mark is dangerous. Here are some more tips to tell the difference.