Recognizing melanoma is one of the most difficult things a dermatologist needs to do.
ABCDE are a quick way to remember how to look for a melanoma.
A, stands for asymmetry.
Most small moles are symmetric and round.
Most melanomas are not.
So if you notice a mole that has an irregular pattern at the edge that is not symmetric,
that is a suspicious case for melanoma.
B is for borders.
Most nevi have very sharp borders, unlike melanoma where the pigments, the color bleeds
into the normal tissue.
That is also a concerning sign for a melanoma.
C stands for color.
Multiple colors including shades of brown, black, white, red and blue are suspicious
for a melanoma.
D stands for diameter.
Any mole larger than six millimeters that is new, needs to be evaluated by a dermatologist
to rule out a melanoma, and E stands for evolving.
Any changing moles or new moles should be examined by a dermatologist.