ABCDE’s of Melanoma
Detecting cancer at an early stage saves lives.
Your dental team has a unique position to help screen for skin cancers such as melanoma. It just takes one small observation to save a life.
Cancer that is diagnosed before it becomes too large or has spread, is more likely to be treated successfully.
Being familiar with the ABCDE’s of melanoma may help you spot a problem area and seek out treatment when necessary.
A is for asymmetry. One half of the spot is different from the other half.
B is for border. The border of the spot is irregular, poorly defined, or scalloped.
C is for color. The spot has varying colors of tan, brown, black, red, or areas of white, red, or blue.
D is for diameter. Melanomas are usually greater than six millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, but can be smaller.
E is for evolving. The spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.
American Academy of Dermatology
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