Melanoma is a type of skin cancer involving melanocytes, the skin cells that give the body its color. Melanocytes are also involved in protecting the skin from the effects of ultraviolet light, and melanoma can be viewed as the result of overexposure of the body to ultraviolet radiation. The classic "ABCDs" of melanoma allow early detection, which can lead to treatment before the cancer becomes life threatening.
A: Asymmetry
Melanoma often presents as a mole or freckle that is asymmetrical or irregular in shape.
B: Border
Melanomas typically have irregular or indistinct borders.
C: Color
The color of a melanoma is often inconsistent. Unlike normal moles, melanomas may have a mixture of very dark, medium and light areas of various colors.
D: Diameter
Moles or pigmented areas of the skin that are larger than normal can be an indication of melanoma. Although there is no absolute size, any mole that is larger than others or much bigger than 5 to 6 millimeters should be noted and watched for other signs of melanoma.
Other Signs of Melanoma
New pigmented areas or moles, although not always melanoma, can be a sign of this type of cancer, especially if they have any other typical traits of melanoma. Inflammation, redness or discoloration around a mole can be another indication, as can itchiness, pain, tingling or other sensations in a pigmented area or mole. Sore-like appearance of a mole or pigmented spot (e.g., crusting, oozing or flaking of the area) and changes in the size or shape of a mole are other possible signs.
References
- "Basic Pathology, 6th Edition;" R.S. Cotran et al.; 1997
