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abcdes of melanoma skin cancer

photos of various melanoma, showing one with asymmetry, one with border irregularity, one with varied colour, and one larger than 1/2 centimetre, and three images showing evolution of size of melanoma.

source: nci visuals online. skin cancer foundation. www.cancer.gov.

the abcdes of melanoma skin cancer are:

  • asymmetry. one half doesn't match the appearance of the other half.
  • border irregularity. the edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
  • colour. the colour (pigmentation) is not uniform. shades of tan, brown, and black are present. dashes of red, white, and blue add to a mottled appearance.
  • diameter. the size of the mole is greater than 6 mm (1/4 inch), about the size of a pencil eraser. any growth of a mole should be evaluated.
  • evolution. there is a change in the size, shape, symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or colour of a mole.

current as of: october 25, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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