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

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 1, 2021