Self-Examination for Melanoma: ABCDE Guide
Regular self-examinations help detect melanoma early.
Look for new or changing spots with any of the following ABCDE characteristics:
• A – Asymmetry: Irregular shapes, unlike symmetrical benign moles.
• B – Border: Uneven or jagged edges.
• C – Color: Multiple colors (brown, black, pink, red, white, blue).
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm, though melanomas can be smaller.
• E – Evolution: Changes in size, shape, or color.
Additional signs include sores that don’t heal, changes in sensation (pain or itchiness), or a lesion surface change.
How to Conduct a Skin Self-Examination
1. Use a well-lit room and a full-length mirror. A handheld mirror can help view hard-to-see areas.
2. Examine the front and back of your body, including your face, neck, chest, and belly. Lift your arms to check the sides.
3. Check arms, hands, and nails: Examine each side and between your fingers.
4. Inspect legs and feet, including between toes and under toenails.
5. Use a mirror for the back of your body, including buttocks, back, scalp, and behind the ears.
Contact a dermatologist immediately if you notice any warning signs.
