More than 106,000 new melanomas would be diagnosedNearly 7,200 people would die from them

This article will teach you how to recognize a normal mole and the ABCDE method for identifying abnormal moles.

Symmetry: If you drew a line through the middle, both sides would match in color, thickness, and shape. A consistent border: The borders are smooth and distinct. A consistent color: The color is also consistent throughout. The mole pictured above has red specks, but they’re present throughout. (This feature can be hard to judge. )Small size: Moles are generally under 6 millimeters (mm) in diameter. A larger size isn’t a guarantee of melanoma but it bears watching. Flat: Normal moles are flat. You can run your finger over it without knowing it’s there.

The more of these features your mole has, the less concerning it is.

SizeShapeColorThickness

In this picture, the left side is much thicker and darker than the right.

RaggedScallopedBlurredPoorly defined

The pictured melanoma has a scalloped and notched border.

TanBrownBlackRedWhiteBlue

In this picture, the right side is dark black and the left side is tannish-red.

For perspective, 6 mm is just under a quarter inch. A pencil eraser is about 5 mm. If your mole can’t be fully covered by a new eraser, it’s large enough to be concerned about.

Sometimes in melanoma assessment, the “E” in ABCDE stands for “evolving.” That’s because melanomas change in size, shape, and color over time.

Summary

Normal moles are symmetrical, small, and flat. They have a smooth border and consistent coloration.

Sores that don’t healPigment “bleeding” from a borderRedness or swelling beyond the borderItchiness or painChanges in the surface (scales, oozing, bleeding)

Melanomas are often asymmetrical, larger than 6mm, and elevated. They have irregular borders and inconsistent coloring.

Melanomas change over time. Normal moles don’t.

A Word From Verywell

You should keep an eye on your moles. But don’t trust your health to a self-exam. If anything about a mole seems off or changes, get it checked.

An early melanoma diagnosis means early treatment. That gives you a better outlook.

Meanwhile, you can lower your risk of skin cancer by wearing sunscreen and avoiding excessive sunlight and tanning beds.

Melanoma originates in melanocytes. The cells grow out of control and can invade surrounding tissue. They can arise from moles, but this doesn’t happen often.

Gets biggerStarts to itchBleedsDoesn’t heal

Such changes can be signs of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, including basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

Dermatologists generally keep a close eye on atypical moles. However, they rarely become cancerous.