Melanomas can be deadly, but did you know melanomas have a 99% cure rate if caught in the earliest stages? Getting your annual skin check with a dermatologist is an excellent way to catch skin cancers early. However, we also recommend doing a monthly self-check to catch those changes even earlier! Read on to learn about what to look out for.

When we check your moles, we look the ABCDEs of a melanoma, and you can learn to look out for these features as well.

• A stands for asymmetry. Normal moles are usually round and symmetrical. Look for spots where one half does not match the other.

• B stands for border. Regular moles have clean and well-defined edges. Examine your moles to see if any of them have irregular, ragged, or blurred edges.

• C stands for color. You may have many moles with varying shades, but most healthy moles are evenly colored. Note down any moles that seem to have multiple colors or are a completely different color from any of your other spots.

• D stands for diameter. Larger moles have a slightly higher risk for melanoma, so keep an eye on your larger moles for any changes.

• E stands for evolution. Changes in size, shape, or color is one of the most important features to look out for, and one of the reasons why monthly self-checks are so helpful. While healthy moles do mature and change gradually over the years, it is unusual for a mole to change quickly over the course of weeks or months.

As you get started on your self-check, remember to check yourself head-to-toe (Don’t forget to check your scalp, back, between your toes, and the bottoms of your feet)! And if you spot a few moles that have some of the ABCDEs above, don’t panic, many benign spots can have some of the features above as well. But if you notice a spot with many of the features above or is changing quickly, please do make an appointment to have those spots checked. With the help of a dermatoscope to magnify your skin, our dermatologists will be able to help you fully evaluate your moles, and keep you safe and healthy!