are a quick way to remember how to look for a melanoma. A, stands for asymmetry. Most

small moles are symmetric and round. Most melanomas are not. So if you notice a mole

that has an irregular pattern at the edge that is not symmetric, that is a suspicious

case for melanoma. B is for borders. Most nevi have very sharp borders, unlike melanoma

where the pigments, the color bleeds into the normal tissue. That is also a concerning

sign for a melanoma.

C stands for color. Multiple colors including shades of brown, black, white, red and blue

are suspicious for a melanoma. D stands for diameter. Any mole larger than six millimeters

that is new, needs to be evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out a melanoma, and E stands for evolving.

Any changing moles or new moles should be examined by a dermatologist.