By regularly examining your skin, you will become more familiar with which moles and spots are normal for you. This makes new spots or changes stand out more quickly.
Do not only look at moles. Also pay attention to new spots, sores that do not heal properly, or a spot that looks clearly different from the rest.
What to look for?
A useful tool is the ABCDE rule:
A – Asymmetry
One half of the mole or spot looks different from the other half.
B – Border
The edge is irregular, ragged, or not clearly defined.
C – Color
The spot has different colors or changes color.
D – Diameter
Many melanomas are larger than about 6 millimeters when discovered. A melanoma can also be smaller, so do not only look at the size.
E – Evolving
The spot changes, for example, in shape, size, or color. Itching or bleeding can also be a reason to have a spot evaluated.
A spot does not have to meet all five characteristics to be a reason to have it checked.
Also look at areas that are less visible
Check your entire skin and do not forget, for example, your back, scalp, soles of your feet, between your toes, and around your nails.
A mirror can help with spots that are difficult to see. You can also ask someone to help check your back or scalp, for example.
When should you have a spot checked?
Have a spot evaluated if it is new, changes clearly, is different from your other moles, or if you simply do not feel right about it.
Your doctor can determine whether further examination is needed.
Early detection is important because a melanoma that is found early is generally easier to treat.
