How often should I perform self-skin exams?

Perform a thorough self-skin exam once a month. Use good lighting and a mirror to check all areas of your body, including those that are hard to see.

What if I have many moles—how can I tell if one is suspicious?

Pay special attention to the “ugly duckling” mole, meaning any mole that looks different from your others. Also, use the ABCDE rule to evaluate moles for concerning features.

Does the ABCDE rule apply to moles on the scalp or under the nails?

Yes, the ABCDE rule applies to all moles, including those in less common locations like the scalp, nails, palms, soles, and mucous membranes.

Can melanomas be smaller than 5 mm?

Yes, although 5 mm is a guideline, melanomas can sometimes be smaller at the time of detection. Any changing or suspicious lesion, regardless of size, should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Is itching or bleeding a sign of melanoma?

Yes, changes in a mole such as itching, bleeding, or crusting can be warning signs of melanoma and should be evaluated promptly.

ABCDE’s of Melanoma

Learn how to recognize suspicious moles and take action early against melanoma.

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ABCDE’s of Melanoma: A Guide to Early Detection of Skin Cancer

Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, and detecting it early can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. Unfortunately, many melanomas may go unnoticed because they often develop silently without causing symptoms like pain or discomfort.

That’s why self-skin exams and understanding what to look for are critical in the early detection of melanoma. At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, we encourage patients to become familiar with their skin and use the ABCDE rule of melanoma detection as a simple, effective tool for monitoring moles and spotting suspicious changes.

What Is the ABCDE Rule for Melanoma Detection?

The ABCDE rule is a helpful acronym that outlines the five key warning signs that may indicate a mole is cancerous or evolving into melanoma. It helps differentiate between normal moles and those that may require professional evaluation.

A

A – Asymmetry:

If you draw a line through the middle of the mole, one half does not match the other half in shape or appearance.

B

B – Border Irregularities:

The edges of the mole are uneven, jagged, notched, or blurred, rather than smooth and well-defined.

C

C – Color Variation:

Multiple colors within the same mole, such as shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, blue, or gray.

D

D – Diameter:

The mole is larger than 5 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). However, melanomas can be smaller when detected early.

E

E – Evolution:

Any change over time in size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting.

What Is the ‘Ugly Duckling’ Sign?

In addition to the ABCDE criteria, dermatologists also recommend using the “ugly duckling” sign as part of melanoma detection. This refers to a mole that looks noticeably different from your other moles — either in size, color, or shape.

Since most benign moles on an individual’s body tend to look similar, a mole that stands out as the “ugly duckling” could warrant closer examination.

Why Self-Skin Exams Are Important for Melanoma Detection

Most melanomas are first identified by patients themselves or by a partner or family member. Performing regular self-skin exams can increase the likelihood of catching melanoma in its earliest, most treatable stages.

Self-Skin Exam Tips:

Use a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror to inspect hard-to-see areas.
Check the entire body, including the scalp, back, buttocks, soles of the feet, palms, and between fingers and toes.
Keep a mole map or photograph your moles to track changes over time. The American Academy of Dermatology’s body mole map is a helpful tool for this purpose.

If you notice a mole that changes, looks different from your other moles, or shows signs like itching, bleeding, or crusting, contact Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group immediately for a professional skin examination.

Not All Melanomas Follow the Rules

It’s important to remember that while the ABCDE rule and the ugly duckling sign are powerful screening tools, not all melanomas display these classic features. Some melanomas may appear:

Small and uniform in color
Located in hidden areas such as the scalp, under the nails, or on the soles of the feet
Flat or slightly raised without dramatic changes

This is why regular checkups with a board-certified dermatologist remain essential, even if you perform self-skin exams regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Melanoma Detection

How often should I perform self-skin exams?
Perform a thorough self-skin exam once a month. Use good lighting and a mirror to check all areas of your body, including those that are hard to see.
What if I have many moles—how can I tell if one is suspicious?
Pay special attention to the “ugly duckling” mole, meaning any mole that looks different from your others. Also, use the ABCDE rule to evaluate moles for concerning features.
Does the ABCDE rule apply to moles on the scalp or under the nails?
Yes, the ABCDE rule applies to all moles, including those in less common locations like the scalp, nails, palms, soles, and mucous membranes.
Can melanomas be smaller than 5 mm?
Yes, although 5 mm is a guideline, melanomas can sometimes be smaller at the time of detection. Any changing or suspicious lesion, regardless of size, should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Is itching or bleeding a sign of melanoma?
Yes, changes in a mole such as itching, bleeding, or crusting can be warning signs of melanoma and should be evaluated promptly.

Schedule Your Skin Cancer Evaluation Today

Early detection of melanoma can save your life. If you notice any concerning changes in your moles or skin spots, or if you’d like a professional skin check, contact Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group today. Our board-certified dermatologists are here to provide comprehensive skin cancer screenings and peace of mind.