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Learn more about moles and different types of skin cancer. ABCDE stands for asymmetry, border, color. Most skin lesions and moles are not cancerous, but it’s always best to get checked out to be sure. One easy way to remember common characteristics of melanoma is to think alphabetically the ABCDEs of melanoma. If you see something on your skin, don’t panic. Skin cancer is common, and when it’s caught early, most skin cancer – including melanoma – can be cured. You may want to have annual skin checks with a dermatologist as well so you can catch skin cancer before it becomes life threatening. If you notice any of the s igns and symptoms of melanoma or you have a suspicious mole or lesion, make an appointment to see your doctor. We recommend doing regular skin checks at home to look for changes in your skin. If you notice any of the ABCDEs of melanoma, make an appointment right away to be evaluated by a dermatologist. If you have a mole or skin growth, watch it for signs of changes. Unlike most benign moles, melanoma tends to change over time. Evolution – Melanoma will often change characteristics, such as size, shape or color.Diameter – Melanoma growths are normally larger than 6mm in diameter, which is about the diameter of a standard pencil.Moles that are benign are typically one color. Color – Melanoma lesions are often more than one color or shade.Border – Melanoma often has borders that aren’t well defined or are irregular in shape, whereas non-cancerous moles usually have smooth, well-defined borders.Non-cancerous moles are typically uniform and symmetrical in shape. Asymmetry – Melanoma is often asymmetrical, which means the shape isn’t uniform.These are the characteristics of skin damage that doctors look for when diagnosing and classifying melanomas. ABCDE stands for asymmetry, border, color, diameter and evolving. Other articles where ABCD system is discussed: melanoma: Causes and symptoms: self-assessment of moles, using the ABCD system. These suspicious lesions should be excised or monitored very closely with a low threshold for excision should any changes develop. One easy way to remember common characteristics of melanoma is to think alphabetically – the ABCDEs of melanoma. In an effort to maintain the highest sensitivity for diagnosing melanoma, the ABCD rule was further refined by classifying as suspicious for malignancy all lesions whose dermoscopy score falls between 4.75 and 5.45.