Melanoma, apart from moles, is a small spot that appears on the skin. It is pink, red, dark brown or black. How to recognize it? Here are the 6 signs that do not lie!
The appearance of a brown spot
Apart from moles, if a small spot appears on an area of skin that is pinkish, red, dark brown, or black in color, and is flat and featureless, it may be a a melanoma. Its evolution is rapid: change of shape, appearance and color.
A brown band under the nail
When melanoma grows under a fingernail, a brown or black band appears lengthwise, like a hematoma. If you have not suffered a shock on the nail and you notice the appearance of a colored band on it, a dermatological consultation is necessary.
The asymmetry and irregularity of a mole
Concerning melanomas observed from a mole (20% of melanomas), the “ABCDE rule” is in order.
- A for Asymmetry: the mole is not regular, round or oval and its reliefs are not evenly distributed around its center.
- B for Irregular edges: its edges are irregular and poorly defined.
A change in color of a mole
The letter C of the “ABCDE” rule for spotting a possible melanoma refers to the color change.
- C for Colour: a change in the color of a mole (black, blue, brown, red or white) should motivate a consultation.
The change in diameter of a mole
The letter D of the “ABCDE” rule for identifying a possible melanoma refers to the diameter of the mole.
- D for Diameter: a melanoma is generally large (ie larger than 6 mm).
A rapid evolution of a mole
The letter E of the “ABCDE” rule to identify a possible melanoma refers to the evolution of the mole.
- E for Evolution: the melanoma evolves and grows, it changes both thickness and color.
