abcdes of melanoma skin cancer
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
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