The ABCDE Rule for Identifying Suspicious Moles
Dermatologists use the ABCDE rule to help distinguish between normal moles and those that may need medical attention:
Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
Border: Edges are irregular, blurred, or ragged.
Color: Multiple shades within one mole (brown, black, red, white, or blue).
Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters—about the size of a pencil eraser.
Evolving: Changes in appearance over time.
If a mole meets any of these criteria, consult a doctor promptly.
Other Skin Growths to Watch For
Suspicious moles aren’t the only concern. Be aware of other growths as well:
Actinic Keratoses: Rough, scaly patches from sun damage; can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal Cell Carcinomas: Pearly or waxy bumps, often found on sun-exposed skin.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas: Firm, reddish nodules or flat lesions with crusted surfaces.
Seborrheic Keratoses: Harmless brown or black growths that look like they’re “stuck on,” but can sometimes be confused with cancer.
Warning Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Watch out for these additional red flags:
