Symptoms
In general, melanoma may appear as a new blemish on the skin, a spot that is different than all other spots, or a spot that changes in size, shape, color, or texture. Doctors commonly use the ABCDEFs of skin cancer to describe the warning signs and symptoms of melanoma. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
Asymmetry
A mole has an asymmetrical shape. A portion of the mole is a different shape than the rest of the mole.
Border
The edges of a mole are uneven, jagged, or blurred.
Color
A mole is more than one color. The mole or a part of it may also be changing color.
Diameter
A mole is bigger than 6 mm in diameter or is growing in diameter. 6 mm is about the same size as a pencil eraser.
Evolution
A mole has changed in size, shape, or color over time.
Feeling
A mole feels different than it used to.
Not all melanomas follow the ABCDEFs of skin cancer. Other symptoms and warning signs of melanoma include the following:
- A lesion on the skin that will not heal
- Redness, swelling, or spread of pigment past the border of a mole or lesion
- A change in the feeling or sensation of a mole or lesion (i.e. pain, tenderness, itchiness)
- A change in the texture of a mole or lesion (i.e. scaliness)
- Any oozing, bleeding, or discharge from a mole or lesion
