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melanoma skin cancer sign: diameter

a mole, showing its width compared to a pencil eraser.

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
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