Checking your skin can help you spot skin cancer early. Your doctor can tell you how often to do a check.
reviewed 10/18/2019
Skin cancer signs
Checking your skin can help you spot skin cancer early. Your doctor can tell you how often to do a check.
The ABCDEs of melanoma
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. These ABCDEs can help you tell if you should see a doctor about a mole or a spot. Even one of these signs is a reason to see a doctor immediately.
- Asymmetry. Half the mole or spot is unlike the other half.
- Border. The mole or spot has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
- Color. The color changes from one area of the mole or spot to another. It may have shades of tan, brown or black, or it could be white, red or blue.
- Diameter. The mole or spot is larger than a pencil eraser. Melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters (about ¼ inch) when diagnosed. They can be smaller though.
- Evolving. The mole or spot looks different from others on your body or is changing in size, shape or color.
Source: American Academy of Dermatology
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