Preventing melanoma is nearly impossible so the most effective way to stay safe is early detection. The best way to detect melanoma is to familiar with your body and any changing lesions or moles on your skin. A normal mole is usually evenly colored and dark. It can be flat or raised and is usually smaller than five to six millimeters in diameter. Moles often appear after sun exposure and it is normal to develop new ones through young adulthood. Spots on the skin that are changing in size, shape or color should be closely watched and evaluated by a dermatologist. Any unusual sore, lump, blemish, marking, or change in the way an area of skin looks or feels may be a sign of skin cancer or a precancerous warning. Some melanoma patients have reported their skin being scaly or crusty or begin oozing or bleeding. Skin may become itchy, tender, painful, red or swollen for no apparent reason. If any of these symptoms occur it is important to go to the doctor immediately and have your skin checked out. (2)

The best way to be alert to unusual moles is the "ABCD's of melanoma." Many times people will not notice that a mole has changed before it is almost too late. Conducting frequent checks of the entire body and skin can detect melanoma early and prevent the patient from dealing with a later stage cancer. It is very important to conduct moles checks regularly because melanoma can strike fast. There are four main things to look for when trying to distinguish a normal mole from melanoma. The "A" stands for asymmetry. If the mole is not symmetrical and one half of the mole does not match the other than it needs to be looked at. The "B" stands for border. If the edges of the mole are ragged or irregular then it could be melanoma. Dr. Johnson says that if the mole looks like a spilled cup of coffee then it needs to be checked by your dermatologist. The "C" is for color. If there is a variation in color then the mole is not normal. There may be differing shades of tan, brown, or black, and sometimes patches of red, blue or white. Sometimes normal moles will have more than one color but it is better to be safe than sorry and have all suspicious moles checked out. The "D" stands for diameter. As a general rule any mole with a diameter larger than five to six millimeters needs to be looked at. Some melanomas are between three and six so it is really important to keep an eye on all of your moles. Some doctors will even stress "E" for elevation. If a flat mole or slightly raised more becomes more elevated off the skin then have a doctor check it out (1).