American Melanoma Foundation > Prevnetion

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ABCD's of
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ABCD's of Melanoma

A sudden or continuous change in the appearance of a mole is a sign that you should see your doctor. The ABCD rule can help you remember the symptoms of melanoma:

	A for Asymmetry One half is different than the other half.
	B for Border Irregularity The edges are notched, uneven, or blurred.
	C for Color The color is uneven. Shades of brown, tan, and black are present.
	D for Diameter Diameter is greater than 6 millimeters.

Other Warning Signs:
• The appearance of a new bump or nodule
• Color spreads into surrounding skin
• redness or swelling beyond the mole
• pain
• tenderness
• itching
• bleeding
• oozing
• scaly appearance