SIGNS AND
SYMPTOMS
Often, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color, or
feel of an existing mole. Most melanomas have a black or blue-black area.
Melanoma also may appear as a new mole. It may be black, abnormal, or
"ugly looking."

If you have a question or concern about something on your skin, see
your doctor. Do not use the following pictures to try to diagnose it
yourself. Pictures are useful examples, but they cannot take the place of a
doctor's examination.

Thinking of "ABCD" can help you remember what to watch for:
Asymmetry: The
shape of one half
does not match
the other.
Border: The
edges are often
ragged, notched,
blurred, or
irregular in
outline; the
pigment may
spread into the
surrounding skin.
Color: The color
is uneven. Shades
of black, brown,
and tan may be
present. Areas of
white, grey, red,
pink, or blue also
may be seen.
Diameter: There
is a change in size,
usually an
increase.
Melanomas are
usually larger than
the eraser of a
pencil (1/4 inch
or 5 millimeters).
Melanomas can
vary greatly in
how they look.
Many show all of
the ABCD
features.
However, some
may show
changes or
abnormalities in
only one or two
of the ABCD
features.
Melanomas in an early stage may be found when an existing mole changes slightly, for
example, when a new black area forms. Newly formed fine scales and itching in a mole
also are common symptoms of early melanoma. In more advanced melanoma, the
texture of the mole may change. For example, it may become hard or lumpy.
Melanomas may feel different from regular moles. More advanced tumors may itch,
ooze, or bleed. But melanomas usually do not cause pain.

A skin examination is often part of a routine checkup by a health care provider. People
also can check their own skin for new growths or other changes. (See Prevention)
Changes in the skin, such as a change in a mole, should be reported to the health care
provider right away. The person may be referred to a dermatologist, a doctor who
specializes in diseases of the skin.

Melanoma can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated when the tumor is thin and has
not deeply invaded the skin. However, if a melanoma is not removed at its early stages,
cancer cells may grow downward from the skin surface and invade healthy tissue. When
a melanoma becomes thick and deep, the disease often spreads to other parts of the
body and is difficult to control.

People who have had melanoma have a high risk of developing a new melanoma.
People at risk for any reason should check their skin regularly and have regular skin
exams by a health care provider.

(See Diagnosis)

National Cancer Institute - http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/melanoma
The Skin Cancer Foundation - http://www.skincancer.org
Melanoma Research Foundation - http://www.melanoma.org


Disclaimer:
The material contained on this site is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended and should not
construed to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should not rely on any
information contained on this site as a substitute for medical advice and always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
The War Against Melanoma
Foundation
1478 Sunflower Street Lewis Center, OH 43035
Email: info@thewamfoundation.org