Melanoma of the Skin

Melanoma of the skin is a cancerous growth that has the potential to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Melanoma starts from melanocytes (cells that make melanin). In men, the most common place for melanoma to occur is on the chest or back and in women on the legs.

The ABCDE rule helps healthcare professionals assess different features to differentiate a normal mole from a melanoma:

A is for asymmetry – If one half of the mole is not the same as the other half

B is for border irregularity – If the edge of the mole is ragged or blurred

C is for colour variation – If the mole has different shades of brown, black, blue, red, white or pink

D is for diameter – If a mole has grown or is bigger than 6mm

E is for elevation – If the mole is raised above the skin and has an uneven surface

E is also for evolving – If a mole is growing, changing, itching or bleeding