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.