Melanoma Symptoms

Melanoma most commonly presents as abnormal or unusual moles that follow the ABCDE’s of unhealthy skin. See a skin cancer expert if you recognize any of the following melanoma symptoms:

A for Asymmetry – Part of the mole looks different than the rest of the mole
B for Border irregularity – Moles with uneven or jagged borders
C for Color changes – Multi-colored or dark moles
D for Diameter – Large moles with a diameter greater than or equal to 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) the size of a pencil eraser
E for Evolving – Changes in the way a mole looks over time, or development of other symptoms like itchiness, oozing or bleeding

Remember, it is extremely important to treat melanomas before they spread, so early detection is key. Regular skin self-exams and professional checkups should be performed, especially in patients who are genetically predisposed to developing melanoma and those suffering from significant sun damage.