As we plan to spend more time in the sun during the summer months, it is important to prevent skin cancer by protecting ourselves from the harmful rays of the sun.
Melanoma is one type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, cells that make the pigment melanin. It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.
“ABCDE” can help you remember what to look for in existing or new moles:
- Asymmetry: The shape of one half does not match the other half.
- Border that is irregular: The edges are often ragged, notched or blurred in outline. The pigment may spread into the surrounding skin.
- Color that is uneven: Shades of black, brown and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink or blue may also be seen.
- Diameter: There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas can be tiny, but most are larger than the size of a pea (larger than 6 millimeters or about 1/4 inch).
- Evolving: The mole has changed over the past few weeks or months.
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