How to Tell if it's a Mole or Melanoma

[armchairlawyer]

Melanoma: what to look for
● Think ABCDEFG when assessing changes in an existing mole
● Asymmetry: most normal moles are symmetrical.
● Border: normal moles tend to have a smooth, well-defined edge. The border of a melanoma often appears blurred or jagged.
● Colour: normal moles tend to be a uniform colour, while melanomas may be different shades of brown, black or pink.
● Diameter: Most normal moles are under 5-6mm (you can cover them with the end of a pencil). Melanomas are often bigger.
● Evolving: normal moles tend to stay the same size, shape and colour. E can also stand for elevated (some melanomas are nodular and stick out from the skin).
● Firm: moles that feel hard are more suspicious.
● Growing: most normal moles do not get bigger.


https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/why- ... -5jz9b82qr

[Kammekor]

True.

In real life pretty hard to do a good assessment of a mole without a dermatoscope.

When in doubt, see a specialist. The treatment of Melanoma becomes pretty invasive at a relatively early stage.

One addition: some melanomas consist of melanocytes not having the typical brown / black color moles tend to have, so check for weird white spots as well.

Dermatologists also advise to look for 'ugly ducklings', a mole with an appearance which is different from the other moles on your skin.