Asymmetry
If you draw a line through the middle of the mole, the two halves do not match in size, shape, or contour.
Border Irregularity
The edges of an early melanoma are often uneven, scalloped, blurred, or notched rather than clearly defined.
Color Variation
A single spot displaying multiple shades of tan, brown, black, white, red, or slate blue is a major warning indicator.
Diameter (> 6mm)
Melanomas are often larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, though they can be smaller.
Evolving & Changing
Any change in size, shape, elevation, color, or symptoms (itching, bleeding, crusting) is the single most critical indicator of malignancy.
Clinical Citation
The ABCDE criteria were formulated by the New York University School of Medicine and adopted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and Skin Cancer Foundation. Reference: Skin Cancer Foundation Clinical Guidelines.
