Back to Blog Homepage
One easy way to remember common characteristics of melanoma is to think alphabetically:
☀️Asymmetry
Melanoma is often asymmetrical, which means the shape isn’t uniform. Non-cancerous moles are typically uniform and symmetrical in shape.
☀️Border
Melanoma often has borders that aren’t well defined or are irregular in shape, whereas non-cancerous moles usually have smooth, well-defined borders.
☀️Color
Melanoma lesions are often more than one color or shade. Moles that are benign are typically one color.
☀️Diameter
Melanoma growths are normally larger than 6mm in diameter, which is about the diameter of a standard pencil.
☀️Evolution
Melanoma will often change characteristics, such as size, shape or color. Unlike most benign moles, melanoma tends to change over time.
If you have a mole or skin growth, watch it for signs of changes. If you notice any of the ABCDEs of melanoma, make an appointment right away to be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Have you scheduled you annual skin check? ?
Call my office to make your appointment today!
?Coastal Valley Dermatology
?831-293-8458
?Monterey, CA
