The ABCDE's of Skin Cancer
Asymmetry
SYMMETRICAL: Benign (non-cancerous and non-malignant) moles are typically round.
ASYMMETRICAL: Melanoma (cancerous and malignant) lesions are typically irregular in shape. (Asymmetrical)
Border
EVEN: Benign moles have smooth, even borders.
RAGGED OR NOTCHED EDGES: Melanoma lesions often have uneven borders.
Color
SINGLE SHADE: Benign moles are usually a single shade of brown.
MANY SHADES: Melanoma lesions often contain many shades of brown or black
Diameter
<6mm or 1/4”: Benign moles are usually less than 6 millimeters in diameter.
>6mm or 1/4”: Melanoma lesions are often more than 6 millimeters in diameter.
Evolving
FLAT: Benign moles usually do not change size over time.
ELEVATED: Melanoma lesions often grow in size or change in height rapidly.
