Know the ABCDEs of Melanoma: A Guide to Early Detection

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month—a timely reminder to protect your skin and consider routine skin checks for signs of change. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and while many types are treatable, melanoma is the most serious as it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. Fortunately, when detected early, melanoma is also highly curable.

Understanding the warning signs and monitoring your skin regularly can help catch potential concerns before they progress. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for and understand how melanoma develops.

First, What is Melanoma?
Melanoma develops in the melanocytes—the cells that produce melanin, which gives skin its pigment. While it can appear anywhere on the body, it most commonly develops in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, back, arms, and legs. In some cases, melanoma can also appear in areas like the palms, soles, and under fingernails.

Risk factors for melanoma include a history of sunburns, excessive UV exposure (including tanning beds), fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, and the presence of many or unusual moles.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma
One of the most effective tools for identifying melanoma early is the ABCDE Rule. Use it to examine moles or spots that seem unusual.

A – Asymmetry

If you draw a line through the middle of a mole or spot, look to see if the halves match. If they don’t, it may be asymmetrical—an early sign of melanoma.

B – Border

Benign moles usually have smooth, even borders. Melanomas often have uneven or notched edges that may look blurred or jagged.

C – Color

Healthy moles are generally a single shade of brown. A spot with a mix of colors—such as brown, black, red, white, or blue—should be checked.

D – Diameter

Melanomas are typically larger than 6mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser), although they can be smaller when first detected.

E – Evolving

Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or sensation (such as itching, bleeding, or crusting) is a red flag. A mole that looks different from the rest—or one that is changing—is worth evaluating.

When to See a Dermatologist
If you notice a mole or spot that stands out or has changed in appearance, it is important to schedule a skin check with a dermatology provider. Annual full-body evaluations are recommended for individuals at higher risk, and periodic self-exams at home can help detect changes between appointments.

Early detection is critical. When diagnosed in its earliest stages, melanoma has a five-year survival rate of more than 99%. However, that rate decreases significantly once the cancer spreads beyond the skin.

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips
In addition to monitoring your skin for changes, these steps can help reduce your risk of developing melanoma:

• Avoid tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure.
• Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.
• Perform monthly skin self-exams, checking all areas of your body—including the back, scalp, and soles of the feet.

Protect Your Skin—And Your Health
Protecting your skin begins with awareness and routine care. If you notice a spot that looks unusual or has changed recently, don’t wait. Our dermatology team is here to provide expert evaluation and care. Skin cancer is serious, but it’s also preventable and highly treatable when caught early. Schedule a skin check today and take an important step toward protecting your long-term health.

Sara Fitz, MD
Dermatology Department
Medical Associates Clinic

Dermatology Department