What Are The Abcds Of Melanoma

Signs And Symptoms Of Melanoma

A melanoma may begin as a new spot on the skin, or as a change in an existing mole. Note that even if you have had a mole as long as you can remember, any change should be carefully examined and evaluated. As you read through these possible signs, note the mnemonic ABCDE.

Possible signs and symptoms of a melanoma include:

A for asymmetry: An unevenness of a molewhen one half doesnt match the other halfmay be a sign of melanoma.

B for border: Unlike benign moles, melanomas often have an irregular border or edge.

C for color: Melanomas tend to be “more colorful” than regular moles, with colors varying from the color of your skin to the typical dark brown or black of a mole to red. Different colors occurring in the same mole are also of concern, and some melanomas have a classic tarry black appearance, while others are brown, red, white, or sometimes blue in appearance.

D for diameter:Melanomas tend to be larger than normal moles Any mole that has a diameter which is the same or larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser should be evaluated.

E for elevation: Instead of being flat, a mole may be elevated off the skin, or different parts of the mole may have different elevations.

E for evolving: E can also stand for evolving, which can refer to any component of the mole. For example, it could be changing in size, in color, in shape, or in degree of elevation. The mole may also change in texture, such as becoming scaly.

What Should I Look For When Examining My Moles

Examine your skin with a mirror. Pay close attention to areas of your skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, chest, and head.

The following ABCDEs are important signs of moles that could be skin cancer. If a mole displays any of the signs listed below, have it checked immediately by a dermatologist:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half
• Border: The border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred, or irregular
• Color: The mole has different colors or it has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red
• Diameter: The diameter of the mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil
• Evolving: The mole appears different from others and/or changing in size, color, shape

Keep in mind that some melanomas may be smaller or not fit other characteristics.You should always be suspicious of a new mole. If you do notice a new mole, see your dermatologist as soon as possible. They will examine the mole and take a skin biopsy . If it’s skin cancer, a biopsy can show how deeply it has penetrated the skin. Your dermatologist needs this information to decide how to treat the mole.

The most common location for melanoma in men is the back in women, it is the lower leg.

Continued

The Abcde Rule Of Skin Cancer

Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help identify melanoma in its earliest stages. This, in turn, can increase your chance for successful treatment.

The ABCDE Rule of skin cancer is not meant to be a tool for diagnosis but rather one by which individuals and healthcare providers can differentiate between a problem growth and a simple, everyday blemish.

The ABCDE Rule is broken down as follows:

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When To See A Doctor

Many melanomas are dark brown or black and are often described as changing, different, unusual, or ugly looking. However, any skin abnormality that is growing or changing quickly and does not go away, whether colored or not, should be examined by a doctor. Bleeding may be a sign of more advanced melanoma. In addition, the appearance of a new and unusual mole is more likely to be melanoma.

If you are concerned about a new or existing mole, please talk with your family doctor or a dermatologist. Your doctor will ask how long and how often youve been experiencing the symptom, in addition to other questions. This is to help figure out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis.

The next section in this guide is Diagnosis. It explains what tests may be needed to learn more about the cause of the symptoms. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Melanoma Can Be Tricky

Identifying a potential skin cancer is not easy, and not all melanomas follow the rules. Melanomas come in many forms and may display none of the typical warning signs.

Its also important to note that about 20 to 30 percent of melanomas develop in existing moles, while 70 to 80 percent arise on seemingly normal skin.

Amelanotic melanomas are missing the dark pigment melanin that gives most moles their color. Amelanotic melanomas may be pinkish, reddish, white, the color of your skin or even clear and colorless, making them difficult to recognize.

Acral lentiginous melanoma, the most common form of melanoma found in people of color, often appears in hard-to-spot places, including under the fingernails or toenails, on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

The takeaway: Be watchful for any new mole or freckle that arises on your skin, a sore or spot that does not heal, any existing mole that starts changing or any spot, mole or lesion that looks unusual.

Acral lentiginous melanoma is the most common melanoma found in people of color.

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Learn The Abcdes Of Skin Cancer

Did you know that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States each year? In fact, one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in his or her lifetime.

The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, followed by melanoma and other skin cancers. When identified early, almost all skin cancers can be cured with treatment.

How To Check Your Skin For Skin Cancer

Follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists to increase your chances of spotting skin cancer early, when its most treatable.

If you notice any new spots on your skin, spots that are different from others, or spots that are changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.

How to check your skin for skin cancer

Follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists to increase your chances of spotting skin cancer early, when its most treatable.

If you notice any new spots on your skin, spots that are different from others, or spots that are changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.

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Look Out For An Ugly Duckling

The Ugly Duckling is another warning sign of melanoma. This recognition strategy is based on the concept that most normal moles on your body resemble one another, while melanomas stand out like ugly ducklings in comparison. This highlights the importance of not just checking for irregularities, but also comparing any suspicious spot to surrounding moles to determine whether it looks different from its neighbors. These ugly duckling lesions or outlier lesions can be larger, smaller, lighter or darker, compared to surrounding moles. Also, isolated lesions without any surrounding moles for comparison are considered ugly ducklings.

Ask The Expert: Why Have Your Abcdes For The Warning Signs Of Melanoma Changed

Rethinking the Alphabet: Some experts believe dark may be an even more important warning sign of melanoma than diameter and deserves more awareness. Photo: baona/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Q: One of my favorite tools on The Skin Cancer Foundation website is the ABCDEs of melanoma. Recently I noticed that under D you now include, in addition to diameter, a second warning sign for dark. What prompted this change, and what does it mean in terms of the checks I routinely do on my own skin?

Elizabeth K. Hale, MD: The Skin Cancer Foundation did a huge service to medical practitioners as well as the general public back in 1985 when it gave an international platform to the now well-known acronym ABCDs of melanoma, later expanded to the ABCDEs. For nearly four decades, this simple, alphabetized list of warning signs from A to E has given consumers a simple, easy-to-remember way to perform a thorough inventory on any worrisome spot or mark on their skin. This tool has undoubtedly helped save many lives.

As a longtime officer of The Skin Cancer Foundation, I recently advocated for the decision to amend the advice under D by adding dark as an equally or, arguably, even more important warning sign as diameter. A lot of that advocacy grew out of the conversations and correspondence I had on this topic with Georgia dermatologist Stuart M. Goldsmith, MD, who has been at the forefront of this initiative.

In such a case, I cannot stress this enough:

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Skin Cancer Screening Schedule

If you have developed new moles, or a close relative has a history of melanoma, you should examine your body once a month. Most moles are benign . Moles that are of greater medical concern include those that look different than other existing moles or those that first appear in adulthood.

If you notice changes in a mole’s color or appearance, you should have a dermatologist evaluate it. You also should have moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, appear scaly, or become tender or painful.

What You Need To Know About Early Detection

Finding melanoma at an early stage is crucial early detection can vastly increase your chances for cure.

Look for anything new,changing or unusual on both sun-exposed and sun-protected areas of the body. Melanomas commonly appear on the legs of women, and the number one place they develop on men is the trunk. Keep in mind, though, that melanomas can arise anywhere on the skin, even in areas where the sun doesnt shine.

Most moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are harmless but not always. The ABCDEs and the Ugly Duckling sign can help you detect melanoma.

Early detection makes a difference

99%5-year survival rate for patients in the U.S. whose melanoma is detected early. The survival rate drops to 66% if the disease reaches the lymph nodes and27% if it spreads to distant organs.

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Do All Melanomas Display Abcdefg Characteristics

While the ABCDEFG criteria has been proven to be very helpful in identifying a potential melanoma, they cannot be used to reliably recognise all melanomas. A melanoma may be symmetrical in shape, with a uniform border, and without much colour variation.

The ABCDEFG criteria are particularly unhelpful in the diagnosis of some less common subtypes of melanomas such as desmoplastic melanoma and melanoma in childhood, as these often lack the ABCDEFG features.

Melanomas without ABCDs

The Abcds Of Moles And Melanomas

When you inspect moles, pay special attention to their sizes, shapes, edges, and color. A handy way to remember these features is to think of the A, B, C, and D of skin cancer-asymmetry, border, color, and diameter.

People at high risk of developing melanoma are those who have:

• A family history of melanoma, or who have had a melanoma in the past

• Unusual moles on the skin, or changing moles

• Fair skin, light hair and eye color, and who sunburn easily or tan with difficulty

• A record of painful or blistering sunburns as children or in their teenage years

• Indoor occupations and outdoor recreational habits

When you inspect moles, pay special attention to their sizes, shapes, edges, and color. A handy way to remember these features is to think of the A, B, C, and D of skin cancer-asymmetry, border, color, and diameter.

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How Is The Abcde Rule For Melanoma Used

The ABCDE rule tells you what to look for when examining your skin.

The A stands for asymmetrical. One half of a cancerous spot or mole may not match the other if you were to split the mole in half. Noncancerous moles are typically symmetrical.

B is for border. The border of a cancerous spot or mole may be irregular or blurred, or it may be pink or red in color. A typical spot or mole is likely to have well-defined borders.

Next up is color. A typical mole tends to be evenly colored, usually a single shade of brown. A cancerous spot may not be the same color all over.

It can be several shades of the same color or made up of several colors, including tan, brown, or black. They can even include areas of white, red, or blue.

Amelanotic melanomas are harder to detect. They dont change melanin, so theyre the same color as your skin. Theyre often diagnosed late because of this.

The diameter of the spot or mole is also important. It may be a warning sign if its larger than 1/4 inch across , which is about the size of a pencil eraser.

Also note if the spot is evolving. Spots due to melanoma may grow or change color or shape. They may also start to itch or bleed. Benign spots and moles dont usually change.

shows that regular, yearly skin exams during doctor visits along with regular skin self-examinations can decrease the depth of melanomas at diagnosis.

The sign of skin cancer is a change to your skin like an evolving mole, a sore that doesnt heal, or a new growth.

What Are The Signs Of Skin Cancer

Learning the ABCDEs of skin cancer is important in identifying, treating and preventing skin cancer, says Dr. Vinod Nambudiri a dermatologist in the Department of Dermatology at Brigham and Womens Hospital. People can look for signs of skin cancer in moles or skin lesions using these letters, and a self skin exam is quick, easy and free.

A Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other half.

B Borders: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border

C Color: Varied from one area to another

D Diameter: Diameter of 6mm or larger

E Evolution: Looks different from the rest, or is changing in size, color, or shape

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What Are The Symptoms Of Skin Cancer

Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesnt heal, a change in an old growth, or any of the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma.

A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This could be a new growth, a sore that doesnt heal, or a change in a mole.external icon Not all skin cancers look the same.

For melanoma specifically, a simple way to remember the warning signs is to remember the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma

• A stands for asymmetrical. Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?
• B stands for border. Is the border irregular or jagged?
• C is for color. Is the color uneven?
• D is for diameter. Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea?
• E is for evolving. Has the mole or spot changed during the past few weeks or months?

Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesnt heal, a change in an old growth, or any of the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma.

Colour Variability And Changing Colour

C is for Colour variability.

A melanocytic naevus usually has a single shade of colour or two colours with one occurring inside the other or regularly repeated .

Variation in colour of melanocytic naevi

Melanoma can be brown but can have as many as five or six colours such as blue, black, tan, grey, pink, and red: 50% of melanomas include these uncommon colours. These colours are unevenly or irregularly distributed. C is also for Changing Colour.

Variation in colour of melanoma

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Why Early Detection

If detected early, melanoma cancer survival is dramatically improved with effective treatment. In fact, if treated very early, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent. However, this depends on a number of factors. Treatment options include removal of the melanoma, typically through outpatient surgery.

What You Can Do

Check yourself: No matter your risk, examine your skin head-to-toe once a month to identify potential skin cancers early. Take note of existing moles or lesions that grow or change. Learn how to check your skin here.

When in doubt, check it out. Because melanoma can be so dangerous once it advances, follow your instincts and visit your doctor if you see a spot that just doesnt seem right.

Keep in mind that while important, monthly self-exams are not enough. See your dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.

If youve had a melanoma, follow up regularly with your doctor once treatment is complete. Stick to the schedule your doctor recommends so that you will find any recurrence as early as possible.

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Pediatric Melanoma: Beyond The Abcds

Guest blog post by Vernon K. Sondak, MD, Chair, Department of Cutaneous Oncology and Jane L. Messina, MD, Senior Member, Departments of Anatomic Pathology and Cutaneous Oncology at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Sondak and Dr. Messina serve on the MRF Pediatric Melanoma Scientific Steering Committee.

Tremendous progress has been made in the early diagnosis and effective treatment of adult patients with melanoma. In fact, in just the past three years, according to American Cancer Society statistics the death rate from melanoma in the USA has dropped over 28%! The biggest factors in this improvement are earlier detection and improved treatments to prevent and treat advanced melanoma. These new treatments for adults havent been extensively studied in children, and well have more to say about how they might be used in pediatric melanoma in a future blog. Early detection and diagnosis, which has proven so important in adults, hasnt yet been so successful in children. Here are some tips to think about in promoting the early detection and accurate diagnosis of melanoma in children.

Only a biopsy can definitely tell if a skin lesion is melanoma or something else. But in the case of many children, after the biopsy, the challenges may be just starting.