Read More About Moles That May Be Linked To Skin Cancer

How to Recognize the ABCDE Warning Signs

Dermatologists commonly use the ABCDE method to help identify changes that may be associated with melanoma. The method focuses on the appearance and development of a mole rather than relying on a single characteristic.

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole looks different from the other.
• Border: The edges appear irregular, uneven, scalloped, or poorly defined.
• Color: The mole contains different colors or shades.
• Diameter: Melanomas can be larger than six millimeters, although they can also be smaller.
• Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, color, or overall appearance.

Why Changing Moles Should Be Checked

A mole that changes over time deserves attention, particularly when the change is noticeable or accompanied by other symptoms. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends having new, different, or changing spots evaluated by a dermatologist.

Changes to watch for include:

• A mole becoming larger or changing shape
• New or unusual color appearing
• An irregular border developing
• Itching or tenderness
• Bleeding or crusting
• A spot that looks noticeably different from surrounding moles

These characteristics do not automatically mean that a mole is cancerous. A healthcare professional needs to examine the spot to determine what it represents.

How to Check Your Skin for Unusual Moles

Regularly looking at your skin can help you notice changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. The AAD recommends examining areas across the body, including areas that can be difficult to see.

During a skin check, consider:

• Examining the front and back of your body
• Checking your scalp when possible
• Looking at your palms and the soles of your feet
• Checking between fingers and toes
• Examining the skin around and beneath nails
• Using a mirror to inspect difficult-to-see areas

People with darker skin should also pay attention to unusual spots on the palms, soles, and around or underneath nails, where melanoma can sometimes occur.

When to Ask a Dermatologist

A new or changing mole does not necessarily indicate skin cancer, but it should not be ignored. The NHS advises seeking medical assessment for moles that change in size, shape, or color, as well as spots that become painful, itchy, inflamed, bleeding, or crusty.

Professional evaluation is particularly useful when:

• A mole continues changing
• A spot looks different from your other moles
• A mole bleeds without an obvious cause
• A spot becomes persistently itchy or painful
• A new unusual mark does not disappear

Knowing how your moles normally look can make it easier to recognize unusual changes. The ABCDE method provides a useful framework for checking asymmetry, borders, color, diameter, and evolution. However, visual inspection cannot diagnose melanoma. New, changing, bleeding, itching, or otherwise unusual moles should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation.