1. Know Your ABCDEs: C,D,& E
‘C’ Color: A mole that does not have the same color throughout or that has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red is suspicious. Normal moles are usually a single shade of color. A mole of many shades or that has lightened or darkened should be checked by a doctor.
‘D’ Diameter: A mole is suspicious if the diameter is larger than the eraser of a pencil.
‘E’ Evolving: A mole that is evolving, shrinking, growing larger, changing color, begins to itch or bleed – should be checked. If a portion of the mole appears newly elevated, or raised from the skin, have it looked at by a doctor. Melanoma lesions often grow in size or change in height rapidly.
