Know the ABCDEs of Melanoma and Get Your Annual Skin Check

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 Americans developing skin cancer by the age of 70.

It’s also one of the most treatable when caught early.

Knowing how to check moles at home is the first step. Here’s your guide to the ABCDEs of melanoma and what to expect when you schedule your annual skin check.

What Are the ABCDEs of Melanoma? 

The ABCDE method is a simple, widely used tool for identifying moles or spots that may need a closer look by a dermatologist.

A – Asymmetry 

A healthy mole is usually round and symmetrical. If you drew a line through the middle and one half doesn’t match the other, that asymmetry is worth noting.

B – Border 

Look at the edges. Normal moles have smooth, well-defined borders. Irregular, ragged, or blurred borders can be a warning sign.

C – Color 

A mole that’s one uniform shade of brown is typically normal. Multiple colors, including black, red, white, or blue within the same spot, may indicate a problem.

D – Diameter 

Melanomas are often larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) when first detected. However, they can be smaller, so size alone isn’t the deciding factor.

E – Evolving

Any mole that is changing in size, shape, color, or texture, or that starts to itch, bleed, or crust, deserves prompt attention. Change over time is one of the most important warning signs.

Other Signs of Skin Cancer to Watch For 

Melanoma isn’t the only form of skin cancer. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are actually more common. Keep an eye out for:

• A pearly or waxy bump, especially on the face, ears, or neck
• A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion
• A bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns
• A red, firm nodule
• A rough, scaly patch that may crust or bleed
• Any new growth that looks unusual or doesn’t go away

Why Annual Skin Checks Are Essential

Many skin cancers develop in areas that are difficult to see on your own, such as the back, the scalp, behind the ears, or between the toes. A board-certified dermatologist is trained to identify suspicious lesions that most people would miss during a self-exam.

When skin cancer is detected early, treatment is typically simpler, less invasive, and has a much higher success rate. Annual screenings give your care team a baseline to track changes over time and catch anything concerning before it progresses.

What Happens During a Skin Cancer Screening?

A skin cancer screening is straightforward and typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Your dermatologist will examine your skin from head to toe, including areas you may not think to check yourself. If a spot looks suspicious, they may perform a biopsy, a small sample of skin tissue sent to a lab for analysis.

If skin cancer is confirmed, your team will discuss next steps, which may include excision, Mohs surgery, or other targeted treatments depending on the type and location.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Don’t wait for your annual appointment if you notice something new or changing. Schedule a visit sooner if:

• A mole or spot meets any of the ABCDE criteria
• You have a sore that won’t heal
• You notice a spot that itches, bleeds, or changes rapidly
• You have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• You’ve had significant sun exposure or used tanning beds in the past

Schedule Your Annual Skin Check at Anne Arundel Dermatology

Your skin deserves the same annual attention as your heart, eyes, and overall health. At Anne Arundel Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists provide thorough, compassionate skin cancer screenings to help you stay ahead of potential concerns.

Don’t wait until something looks wrong. Schedule your annual skin check today and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your skin is in good hands.

Key Takeaways

• The ABCDEs of melanoma—Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving—are a simple tool for monitoring your moles at home.
• Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early through annual professional screenings.
• Not all skin cancers look like moles; know the broader warning signs.
• See a dermatologist promptly if anything on your skin changes, bleeds, or won’t heal.
• Anne Arundel Dermatology offers comprehensive skin cancer screenings for patients across the region.