The ABCDEs of Melanoma: How to Spot Skin Cancer Early

1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and I am one of them, even as a board certified dermatologist. 

These are the guidelines I use in my practice every single day and what I used to identify my own melanoma.

They are called the “ABCDEs of Melanoma” and are easy to keep in mind when examining your own moles too.

A - The first thing we look for is asymmetry. If one half of the mole doesn't match the other, that is a concern.

B — Next is border: if the edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred, it is time to get that spot checked out. 

C — C is for color: We want to see uniform color within the same mole. Shades of brown, black, pink or red within the same mole are a problem.

D — Up next is diameter: keep an eye on spots that are larger than 6mm, or about the size of a pencil eraser.

E — Finally, evolution: if you notice any change in size, shape, color, or any new symptom like bleeding or itching, that’s a red flag. I also think about new here in adults.

A melanoma may not break all the rules. Mine broke 3 - it was new, the border was blurry and it had shades or brown and gray.

If any doubt, get it checked out.

-Dr. J