A - Asymmetry
One half of the mole looks different from the other half. Benign moles are usually symmetrical.
B - Border
Melanomas often have irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined borders. Non-cancerous moles typically have smooth, well-defined edges.
C - Colour
Look for moles that have uneven colouring, with shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue. Healthy moles are usually one uniform colour.
D - Diameter
Melanomas are typically larger than the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm). However, they can still be smaller, especially in the early stages.
E - Evolution
Any change in the mole's appearance over time — such as size, shape, colour, or texture can indicate melanoma. This includes itching, bleeding, or crusting
Other Melanoma Symptoms
- Prevention: The earlier melanoma is found, the easier it is to treat, and the higher the chance of curing it without needing extensive treatments.
- Survival rates: Early-stage melanoma has an over 99% survival rate, whereas later-stage melanoma has a much lower survival rate.
- Less invasive treatment: Early-stage melanoma is usually treatable with surgical removal, while later-stage melanoma requires more invasive treatments with fewer options.
- Simple self-exams: Skin checks are easy to perform and can catch melanoma before it spreads. Regular monitoring of your skin helps you stay on top of any changes.
In short, checking your skin for melanoma symptons early gives you the best possible chance for early intervention, treatment, and a full recovery.
Reading how others spotted their own melanoma can help you know what to look for. Our patient stories share real experiences from people across the UK.
