What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma?

 

Cancerous changes in melanocytes may appear as changes in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole. Most melanomas have a black or blue-black area. Other visible signs include oozing or bleeding from a mole; itching, swelling, or painful sensitivity in a mole; or the appearance of a new mole.

A mole that is scaly or that changes in texture may be a sign of melanoma. In advanced cases, the texture of a mole may change, becoming hard or lumpy. Melanomas are usually not painful.

The signs of melanoma can be remembered by the letters “ABCD”:

Normal Mole/Melanoma

Sign

Characteristic

Photo comparing normal and melanoma moles showing asymmetry

Asymmetry

When half of the mole does not match the other half

Photo comparing normal and melanoma moles showing border irregularity

Border

When the border (edges) of the mole are ragged or irregular

Photo comparing normal and melanoma moles showing color

Color

When the color of the mole varies throughout

Photo comparing normal and melanoma moles showing diameter

Diameter

If the mole's diameter is larger than a pencil's eraser

Photographs Used By Permission: National Cancer Institute

In men, melanomas appear most often on the trunk; in women, they are found most often on the legs.

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
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