Melanoma Symptoms

While signs and symptoms of melanoma skin cancer vary from person to person, the ABCDEFs of melanoma symptoms are an easy way to learn the early signs of melanoma.

Asymmetry: Is one side of the mole different than the other?

Border irregularity: Are the edges ragged or irregular?

Color variation: Is the mole getting darker? Is part of it changing color or does it contain several colors?

Diameter: Is the mole bigger than the diameter of a pencil eraser?

Evolution: Is the mole growing in width or height?

Feeling: Has the sensation around a mole or spot changed?

Show any suspicious skin area, non-healing sore or new or changing mole or freckle to your doctor right away.

• Related topic: Skin cancer symptoms

Visit the Prevention section of our website to find out steps you can take to avoid melanoma skin cancer.