Mole or Melanoma? Know your ABC's

July 15, 4:01 PMLA Skin Care ExaminerElle Febbo

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Photography by: Elle Febbo

Thankfully, Melanoma Awareness is on the rise, however, so too is the diagnosis rate. With moles often times resembling melanoma, many people are left wondering, “When is it time to see a Dr”?

The ABC’s of skin cancer are commonly used as a benchmark for possible biopsies. Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolution, are your five starting points in determining if your mole is normal, or NOT.

It’s more important now, than ever before, to know your ABC’s:

A. Asymmetry- Asymmetry is when one side does NOT match the other side in shape, color or thickness. Like a butterflies wings, a mole should look the same on one side, as it does on the other.

B. Borders- Borders of a mole should also be even, and consistent. If any edge is scaled, faded, or darkened, then schedule some time with your dermatologist.

C. Color- Color should always be the same from one side of a mole to the other. Any variance in color (Black, Brown, Red, and even Blue), is a serious sign that your mole could be Melanoma, and not Benign Nevi. See your Dr. immediately.

D. Diameter- The Diameter of a mole over 6mm needs to be monitored by a physician on a regular basis. Melanoma can certainly be smaller, but typically a mole this large, even at birth, offers a red flag to Melanoma and other skin cancers.

E. Evolution- If a mole changes in Size, shape, color, or symmetry, or if it itches, scabs, bleeds, or oozes, call your dermatologist immediately, or check the Road to Healthy Skin Tour schedule for a list of location dates for free exams. Melanoma is a curable cancer if detected early, but if it’s not, Malignant Melanoma has one of the highest death rates of all cancers.

There is no turning back time when it comes to the damaging effects of years in the sunshine, but knowledge is power, and a 15 minutes self exam could save your life. 

*If you have trouble monitoring the moles and freckles on your backside, set your camera to the “Self Timer” mode, and take a photo once a month.

For more information on Melanoma and other Skin Cancers, visit www.barefootsisterhood.com or www.cancer.org today.