Somemelanomas develop from existing moles. The rest grow on what was previously normal skin. See your doctor if you notice a:
- new abnormal mole
- mole that seems to be growing or changing
- change to a previously normal patch of skin
Checking your skin and moles - ABCDE
It's important to know what your skin looks like normally. This helpsyou notice any unusualchanges.
For parts of your body that are hard to see, you can use a mirror.Or ask your partner or a friend to check those areas.
Doctors use a checklist which explains some of the signs of melanoma to look out for. It's called the ABCDE list. See your doctor straight away if you are worried.
Melanomas can stand out from your other moles. So, if a mole looks very different or is much darker than others you have, you should get it checked. Even if you have none of the ABCDE signs.
A - asymmetrical
This refers to the shape of the mole or abnormal patch of skin.
Melanomas are likely to have an uneven shape. Thetwo halves may be different shapes or sizes (asymmetrical).
Normal moles usually have a more even shape and the two halves are similar (symmetrical).
B - border
This refers to the edges of the mole or abnormal patch of skin.
Melanomas are more likely to have irregularedges (border) that are blurry or jagged.
Normal moles usually have a smooth, regular border.
C - colour
This refers to the colour of the mole or abnormal patch of skin.
Melanomas are often anuneven colourand contain more than one shade. A melanoma might have different shades of black, brown and pink.
Normal moles usually have an even colour. If they have 2 colours in them, the colours are normally symmetrical across the 2 halves.
D - diameter
This refers to how wide the mole or abnormal patch of skin is.
Most melanomas are more than 6mm wide. But they can be smaller if diagnosed early.
Normal moles are usually about the size of the end of a pencil or smaller.
E - evolving
Evolving means changing.
Melanomas might change in size, shape or colour. Or you might noticeother changes such as:
- bleeding
- itching
- a change in sensation to a mole or area of abnormal skin
- a mole becoming crusty
Most melanomas don’t give you symptoms like pain or itching. And some non cancerous (benign) moles or abnormal patches of skin can be itchy. So having some of these changes on their own doesn't mean you definitely have melanoma. But you should still get it checked.
Melanoma in people with brown or black skin
Melanoma in people with brown or black skin may be more difficult to see. The mole or abnormal patch of skin might:
- not show any of the ABCD signs
- be symmetrical
- be broken and sore (ulcerated)
- be a pink colour
- be under a finger or toe nail
- be on the palm of the hand or sole of the foot
Pictures of abnormal moles, skin patches and melanomas
Looking at photographs of abnormal moles and melanomas may help you to recognise what is not normal.Remember though, it's what's not normal for you that counts.
- See photographs of abnormal moles, skin patches and melanomas
Where might you get a melanoma?
You can get a melanoma skin cancer anywhere on the body. But they are more commonin certain parts. Thisdiffersfor men and women.
Melanomas in men are most common on the back, tummy or chest (trunk). In women, the most common site is the legs.
Melanoma of the eye
Rarely, melanoma can start in the eye.
You mightbe able to see a dark spot ifit'sgrowing in the coloured part of the eye (iris).
But if a melanomais growing inside the eye, there isusually nooutward sign. But you mighthave changes to your eyesight.
This type of melanoma is most often diagnosed during a routine eye check by an optician or eye specialist.
Although melanoma of the eye starts in melanocyte cells, it is a separate type of cancer to melanoma skin cancer. How doctors describe it (the stage of the cancer) and the treatment is different. It is also not linked to exposure to the sun.
- Read more about melanoma of the eye
Should you see your doctor?
Go and see your GP if:
- you have any of the ABCDE signs
- a mole is itching or painful
- a mole is bleeding or becoming crusty
- a mole looksinflamed
- you have an unusual mark or lump on your skin that lasts longer than a few weeks - especially if you are
immunocompromised 
- you have a dark area or line under a nail thatis not due to an injury
The earlier a melanomais picked up, the easier it is to treat and the more likely treatment is to be successful. So go to your GP as soon as possible.
- Get tips on seeing your GP about your symptoms
