ABCD & E’s of Melanoma Moles
A– Asymmetry — The shape of one half does not match the other.
B– Border — The edges are often ragged, notched, blurred, or irregular in outline; the pigment may
C – Color — The color is uneven. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, grey, red, pink, or blue also may be seen.
D – Diameter—There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas are usually larger than the eraser of a pencil (1/4 inch or 5 millimeters).
E – Evolving — Be aware of moles changing in any way.
Melanomas can vary greatly in how they look. Many show all of the ABCD features. However, some may show changes or abnormalities in only one or two of the ABCD features.