Melanoma

See all Pictures & Images

Melanoma Symptoms & Signs

The primary symptom of any skin cancer is usually a mole, sore, lump, or growth on the skin. Any change in appearance of a pigmented skin lesion over time is a warning sign. Also, watch for any bleeding from a skin growth.

The ABCD system may help you remember features that might be a symptom of melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half of the abnormal area is different from the other half
• Borders: The lesion or growth has irregular edges.
• Color: Color is varied from one area to another, with shades of tan, brown, or black (sometimes white, red, or blue). A mixture of colors may appear within one lesion.
• Diameter: The trouble spot is usually (but not always) larger than 6 mm in diameter -- about the size of a pencil eraser.

The key to treating melanoma is recognizing symptoms early. You might not notice a small spot of concern if you don't look carefully, so perform thorough self-examinations on a regular basis.