Symptoms of Melanoma

Melanoma, the most dangerous kind of skin cancer, begins in the cells within the skin that manufacture melanin, the pigment that colors human skin. The development of a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing one is usually the initial symptom of melanoma. The American Academy of Dermatology developed an easy-to-remember system to identify potential melanoma in moles using the letters A,B,C,D, and E.

Asymmetry

• The A stands for asymmetrical, meaning people need to be alert for moles that have a strange and irregular shape. For example, one half of a mole may be completely different from the other half.

Border

• A cancerous mole may have a border that is irregular with the pigment within it spilling out into the area beyond. These borders can be notched, scalloped, or have other strange looking features.

Color

• Moles that are composed of a variety of colors may be melanomas. The colors can be a mix of black, brown, pink, red, white, gray or blue.

Diameter

• Moles that are larger than a quarter of an inch in diameter should draw suspicion. New moles this large or existing ones that expand are a symptom of melanoma.

Evolving

• The final letter stands for evolving and refers to moles that become larger, change color, start to itch, or change shape. Melanoma can also evolve in the eyes and in the internal organs, where it is much harder to detect in early stages.