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Asymmetry
Melanoma A1 SYMMETRICAL: Benign (non-cancerous and non-malignant) moles are typically round.
Melanoma A2 Asymmetrical: Melanoma (cancerous and malignant) lesions are typically irregular in shape. (Asymmetrical)


 

Border
Melanoma B1 even: Benign moles have smooth, even borders.
Melanoma B2 ragged or notched edges: Melanoma lesions often have uneven borders.


 

Color
Melanoma C2 single shade: Benign moles are usually a single shade of brown.
Melanoma C2 many shades: Melanoma lesions often contain many shades of brown or black.

 

 

Diameter
Melanoma D1 <6mm or 1/4”: Benign moles are usually less than 6 millimeters in diameter.
Melanoma D2 >6mm or 1/4”: Melanoma lesions are often more than 6 millimeters in diameter.
 

 

Evolving
Melanoma E1 flat: Benign moles usually do not change size over time.
Melanoma E2 elevated: Melanoma lesions often grow in size or change in height rapidly.

 

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Risk Factors
Self Examination
ABCDE's
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