NIH - Medical Encyclopedia Melanoma

"Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It involves the cells that produce pigment (melanin), which is responsible for skin and hair color. Melanoma can also involve the pigmented portion of the eye. … The primary symptom of any skin cancer is usually a mole, sore, lump, or growth on the skin. Any change in appearance of a pigmented skin lesion over time is a warning sign. Also, watch for any bleeding from a skin growth. The ABCD system may help you remember features that might be a symptom of melanoma: Asymmetry: One half of the abnormal area is different from the other half. Borders: The lesion or growth has irregular edges. Color: Color is varied from one area to another, with shades of tan, brown, or black (sometimes white, red, or blue). A mixture of colors may appear within one lesion. Diameter: The trouble spot is usually (but not always) larger than 6 mm in diameter -- about the size of a pencil eraser.

If you notice any suspicious skin markings, see your health care provider as soon as possible."

Highlighted Articles

Partner Assistance Improves Skin Self-Examination for Detecting Melanoma

"Teaching people skin self-examination (SSE) with their partner rather than alone significantly improves the likelihood that the person will perform SSE and find problematic lesions, according to the results of a randomized controlled trial reported in the January issue of Archives of Dermatology. The article reviews ABCDE (asymmetry of shape, border irregularity, color variegation, diameter = 6 mm or higher, and evolution of the lesion) rules for examining moles and notes that 50% of melanomas are discovered by patients themselves."

Comparison of risk patterns in carcinoma and melanoma of the skin in men: a multi-centre case-case-control study. (Br J Cancer. 2006)

"… Subjects with fair hair had a significant risk increase for all types of tumours ... The effect of pale eyes was significant … Intermittent sun exposure measured in hours spent at beach during holidays was significant … and number of naevi …"