You may have learned your ABCs in grammar school, but dermatologists use the A-B-C-D-E criteria to analyze moles and check for warning signs that may indicate signs of skin cancer. Get to know these new ABCs so you will know the warning signs:
- “A” stands for asymmetrical. Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?
- “B” stands for border. Is the border smooth or does it look irregular or jagged?
- “C” is for color. Is the color uneven and contain multiple shades?
- “D” is for diameter. Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea or an eraser on the end of a pencil?
- “E” is for evolution. Has the mole or spot changed size, color or shape during the past few weeks or months? Does the spot itch or have tenderness?
Track your skin and if you notice any changes in the above A-B-C-D-Es, share with your doctor.
See how you do with your ABCDEs, by checking out this quick ABCDE game from MetaOptima: https://molescope.com/abcd/game/
