melanoma skin cancer sign: diameter
melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. the most important warning sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, or colour of a mole or other skin growth, such as a birthmark.
- a change in diameter (width) is one thing to watch for. call your doctor if:
- the width of a mole or skin growth is larger than 6 mm (1/4 inch), or about the size of a pencil eraser.
- any mole seems to be growing, even if it is still smaller than 6 mm (1/4 inch).
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.
