Skin Cancer Blog and News | National Skin Cancer Centres

The ABC signs of melanoma

Written by National Skin Cancer Centres | Sep 17, 2024 6:34:20 AM

Would you know how to recognise a melanoma growing on your skin? In this short video, Dr Angelica Logarta-Scott covers the ABC rules to self-checking for melanoma, to help you learn what to look out for in between your regular full-body skin checks.

 

What are the ABCs of melanoma?

Keep an eye out for one or more ABC signs of melanoma:

  • Asymmetry: The two halves don’t match
  • Border: The edges are notched or uneven
  • Colour: There are multiple colours
  • Diameter: The lesion is larger than a pencil eraser
  • Evolving: The lesion is changing
  • Firm: It feels hard to the touch
  • Growing: It has recently gotten bigger

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of melanoma.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer arising from abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells known as melanocytes. Melanoma is particularly dangerous because - if not detected and treated early - it can quickly spread to other organs of the body and become fatal.

Understanding the warning signs for melanoma can help you spot these skin cancers early when they are easiest to treat!

Remember, if you notice any new or changing spots on your skin, book in straight away for a skin check, even if you are not yet due for your annual exam. Melanomas can grow very fast and you should never wait to get a suspicious spot checked out.