Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It develops in the skin cells that produce melanin and color in the skin. Because it’s so serious and can spread to other areas of the body, it’s vital to detect it early. That’s where self-exams and professional skin checks come in. During your self-exam, it’s important to follow the ABCDE method of melanoma detection. What are the ABCDE warning signs? Let’s take a look!
Understanding the ABCDE Warning Signs
What are the ABCDE warning signs? They are simple guidelines to follow to detect whether a mole needs to be looked at by a qualified dermatologist. They can determine whether it’s suspicious or not.
A – Asymmetry
Asymmetrical moles are those that look different on one side than the other. To check if a mole is asymmetrical, you can draw a line down the middle of the mole. If the two sides are the same, it’s less likely that the mole is suspicious or possibly cancerous. If the two sides are not symmetrical, it’s more likely to be melanoma.
B – Border Irregularity
A mole with irregular borders will have jagged, notched, or blurred edges. Instead of being a perfect circle or having smooth edges, this type of mole will be irregular in shape and have undefined borders.
C – Color Variation
One of the most important reasons to keep an eye on moles is to check for color changes. If a mole has multiple colors or changes colors over time, there is an increased risk of the mole being a melanoma. Some colors to look out for include brown, black, red, and blue. Uneven color changes can be one of the first signs that you need to have a mole checked by a dermatologist.
D – Diameter
Melanomas tend to be larger than 6 mm or ¼ inch, but they can be smaller. To measure a mole at home, you can place a ruler or coin next to the mole and take a picture of it. This not only gives your doctor an idea of size, but it can also help you determine if the mole has changed in size over time. A mole that grows in size is one of the main signs of a possible melanoma.
E – Evolving
Evolving moles are ones that change in size, shape, color, and overall appearance over time. How long does it take a mole to change? It can take years for a mole to evolve and change, which is why it’s so vital to have regular skin checks and do self-exams. If you see any of these changes, you’ll want to have the mole (or moles) checked by a dermatologist to look for melanoma.
Prevention and Next Steps
Self-exams at home are vital to ensure you catch a suspicious mole before it develops into serious melanoma and spreads to other areas of the body.
To perform a self-exam, you’ll want to choose a room with sufficient lighting and check your entire body from head to toe. Look at existing moles and new moles, and follow the ABCDE warning signs. If you notice any changes, take a picture of it. From there, you’ll want to schedule a professional skin check and have a qualified dermatologist, like our team at Trillium Creek Dermatology, take a closer look at your skin.
Schedule A Consultation
Looking to have your skin checked? Look no further than Trillium Creek Dermatology! Schedule your screening with one of our providers in Brunswick, Medina, Strongsville, Wadsworth, or Wooster.
To schedule a consultation today, simply call our office at 330.725.0569 or message us using our online contact form.
