What does melanoma look like?

“Is this melanoma?” This is one of the most frequently-asked questions we hear. Most cutaneous (skin) melanomas are found by patients, not doctors, so it is important to know your skin and body well so you can recognize when a mole isn’t “just a mole.” Melanoma can look different from person to person, but if you suspect that a spot on your skin fits the following descriptions, talk to your dermatologist right away. Not all skin cancers and melanomas fall into these categories, so use this list as a starting point:

• A change on the skin – this could be a new spot, or a change in color, shape or size of a current spot
• A spot, sore or mole that doesn’t heal, becomes painful or becomes tender
• A mole that becomes itchy or begins to bleed
• A spot, sore, mole or lump that looks shiny, waxy, smooth or pale
• A firm red lump that bleeds or appears crusty
• A flat, red spot that is rough, dry or scaly
• A black/dark spot or streak under a fingernail or toenail (that hasn’t come from previous trauma to the nail)

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

NEW: The MRF is proud to offer the ABCDEs of Melanoma in the following languages: 

• Spanish (US)
• French
• German

These characteristics are used by dermatologists to classify melanomas of the skin. Look for these signs: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, more than one or uneven distribution of Color, or a large (greater than 6mm) Diameter. Finally, pay attention to the Evolution of your moles – know what’s normal for your skin and check it regularly for changes.^1-2

If you see one or more of these, make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.

	A – Asymmetrical Shape Melanoma lesions are often irregular, or not symmetrical, in shape. Benign moles are usually symmetrical.
	B – Border Typically, non-cancerous moles have smooth, even borders. Melanoma lesions usually have irregular borders that are difficult to define.
	C – Color The presence of more than one color (blue, black, brown, tan, etc.) or the uneven distribution of color can sometimes be a warning sign of melanoma. Benign moles are usually a single shade of brown or tan.
	D – Diameter Melanoma lesions are often greater than 6 millimeters in diameter (approximately the size of a pencil eraser).
E	E – Evolution (or change) The evolution of your mole(s) has become the most important factor to consider when it comes to diagnosing a melanoma. Knowing what is normal for YOU could save your life. If a mole has gone through recent changes in color and/or size, bring it to the attention of a dermatologist immediately.

Want this information as a handout? Download the ABCDEs of Melanoma  

Acral Melanoma Pictures

(Under the nail bed, this is often referred to as subungual melanoma)

Source: Photos courtesy of Dr. Guowen Wang in the Department of Soft Tissue Cancer, Tianjin Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University

Ocular Melanoma Pictures

Photo 1: Small choroidal melanoma showing high risk orange pigment; Photo 2: Medium choroidal melanoma near the optic disc showing blood where the tumor has ruptured through the overlying Bruch’s membrane to form a “collar button”; Source: Photos courtesy of Dr. J. William Harbour of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Have questions about ocular melanoma? Read about CURE OM, the MRF’s initiative for ocular melanoma.

Citations:

1. National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, https://moles-melanoma-tool.cancer.gov/
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/symptoms.htm

Content last updated: June 3, 2020