How to Examine a Skin Mole With the ABC Method

Skin cancer is still a killer throughout the world. In fact, the often-used slang of a "killer tan" is very much on the mark. Skin lesions and moles can and DO happen to anyone no matter how fair or dark-skinned they may be. This article is going to focus on the simple method of using the mnemonic "ABC" to help you self-examine skin moles and lesions. While self-examination is a great health habit to get into, keep in mind it should always be followed up by a clinician examining your entire skin at least once a year or more often depending on your medical history.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Good, clear lighting
• Dry, clean skin that is free of dirt, oils and other debris
• A mirror to help look at your skin in hard-to-see places
• A reliable partner to assist in examining your skin
• Routine vigilance about self-screening on a year-round basis and not just during the summer season

1. 
   This mole is NOT symetrical when you compare one side to the other. It should be considered suspicious.

   Step A: ASYMMETRY
   
   The first part of the skin ABC evaluation is to examine for asymmetry. You can compare one side of the lesion to the other side. Moles or lesions that are symmetrical are less suspicious than ones that are asymmetrical. Mole asymmetry can be worrisome.

2. 
   Note the irregular border of this mole. The edges are NOT smooth but are jaggeded.

   Step B: BORDER
   
   Assess if the mole's borders are irregular, notched or indistinct. The more irregular the border is again an issue of concern that needs to be examined by a qualified healthcare clinician.

3. 
   Note that there are different shades, hues and colors in this mole.

   Step C: COLOR.
   
   Moles or lesions with more than one color are another cause for concern. Color variances are NOT normal no matter what your underlying skin type is. Always consider color variances to be a concern.

4. The basic rule of skin lesions and moles is simple: If you notice any change in a mole it needs to be checked out ASAP. Skin cancer is not just a matter of cosmetics; skin cancer can kill.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a 15 or greater SPF sunblock every day of the year (not just on sunny days).
• Do a regular self-exam of your skin as part of your general health maintenance.
• Have an annual (or more often if needed) skin evaluation by your healthcare provider.
• Do not ignore any changing or slightly suspicious-looking lesion. Early detection may be critical to saving your life.
• This article is for informational purposes only. All medical conditions need to be evaluated and treated by an appropriate licensed healthcare clinician.

Resources

• Skin Cancer Foundation
• The Derma Network

[RFerriANP]

on 10/18/2009 Thank you for the opportunity to RE-REMIND people that skin exams should not fall by the wayside during the fall and winter months. Wear your sunblock 365 days years. Reflective sunlight can be very damaging to the skin. Thank you this helpful prompt!

[livingwell4u]

on 10/17/2009 Excellent advice- saves lives and easy to remember. Thanks for your excellent article.

[sallyemaycreate]

on 9/11/2009 Excellent article with informative tips. Thank you for sharing. 5*****

[survivoryea]

on 9/6/2009 Good advice - good friend just diagnosed stage 3 melanoma.5*****

[mvalora]

on 8/23/2009 Great info. Same thing the dermatologist told my wife.