The ABCDs of Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can often be recognized by its
appearance. A changing mole is an important warning sign that a melanoma could be developing. Moles
that have changes in color or borders, bleeding and itching, or that concern you,
are all reasons for biopsy. Consult a dermatologist
immediately if any of your moles or pigmented spots exhibit:
Asymmetry
or an irregular shape of a mole.
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Borders
that are irregular.
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Color
within the mole that is variable or very dark.
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Diameter
larger than a pencil eraser.
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A mole that increases in size, changes shape or color, itches or bleeds also is suspicious. The
diagnosis is confirmed by doing a biopsy of all or part of the mole.
Biopsy:
a simple outpatient surgical procedure where a piece of skin is removed and examined
under a microscope. This microscopic examination is essential for the
diagnosis of melanoma. The subsequent treatment is based on the thickness
(depth) of the cancer, the location, and the presence or absence of melanoma
elsewhere in the body.
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