Key points
- Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin.
- Know the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma.
Symptoms
A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This could be a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, or a change in a mole. 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. Asymmetrical: Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?
B. Border: Is the border irregular or jagged?
C. Color: Is the color uneven?
D. Diameter: Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea?
E. 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 doesn’t heal, a change in an old growth, or any of the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma.