Self monitor with the abcde system.
The ABCDE system is a common and useful approach to help you monitor your skin, especially moles.
Compare any lesion against the 5 factors in the list to get more of an idea about changes.
If any of these features are present there is cause for concern and it is important that it be assessed by your doctor. We also recommend regular skin checks be done by you doctor when possible. Sometimes malignant melanoma may present despite the following features being normal. If you have any concern about a lesion we recommend you see your doctor.
Compare any lesion against the 5 factors in the list to get more of an idea about changes.
- Asymmetry: are the two halves of the mole the different? Less symmetrical shapes are generally more concern.
- Border: are the edges of the mole are poorly defined? Is it ragged, irregular, or blurred? Again, regular shapes are less concerning.
- Colour: is the colour uneven with shades of tan, brown or black? Some melanoma is blue or pink.
- Diameter: has there been a change, particularly an increase, in lesion size? Increasing size, especially over 6mm diameter is more concerning.
- Elevation/evolution: as melanoma progresses, it may grow down and up from the skin, becoming elevated. Early melanoma may be flat and any change is a concern. This change may be in size and shape or in symptoms such as itching, bleeding or scabbing.
If any of these features are present there is cause for concern and it is important that it be assessed by your doctor. We also recommend regular skin checks be done by you doctor when possible. Sometimes malignant melanoma may present despite the following features being normal. If you have any concern about a lesion we recommend you see your doctor.
