Straightforward trustworthy advice for malignant melanoma patients and carers
Frequently Asked Questions: Do I have melanoma?
If you suspect you have melanoma, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Do not worry about appearing foolish if you have a new mole, or one which appears to be changing. Get to the docs.
If you'd like to reassure yourself in the meantime, look at the ABCDEF of melanoma identification.
Asymmetry: One half being different from the other half makes it more likely to be melanoma
Border: Notched, uneven or blurred edges make melanoma more likely
Colour: Colour is uneven. It may be may be shades of black, brown, tan, or even white, red, or blue, but the unevenness is the important thing. Moles with three or more shades are particularly likely to be melanoma.
Diameter: More than 6mm in diameter makes it more likely to be melanoma
Evolution: A mole changing over time is more likely to be melanoma
Funny: If it looks "funny" it is more likely to be melanoma. Yes, really. See here.
Other warning signs include:
The appearance of a new bump or nodule
Colour spreading into surrounding skin
Redness or swelling beyond the mole
Pain
Tenderness
Itching
Bleeding
Oozing
Scaly appearance
You can see a more detailed explanation of this from Cancer Research UK, including pictures of "funny" moles here. You can also see advice on the rarer form of melanoma which occurs in the eye at this link.