ABCDE OF MELANOMA
acrostic/ˌeɪ.biː.siː.diːˈiː/
Dermatology
Definition
1.The warning signs of a malignant melanoma.
Expansion
- AAsymmetry — one half unlike the other
- BBorder — irregular, ragged or blurred edge
- CColour — more than one shade
- DDiameter — greater than 6 mm
- EEvolving — changing in size, shape or symptom
Notes
A simple screen for a worrying pigmented lesion. In the UK the 7-point checklist is also used, but ABCDE is the universal first pass. Evolution — a mole that is changing — is often the most telling feature and warrants referral.
Remember melanoma can be amelanotic (pink, not brown), so a changing lesion that breaks the pattern deserves suspicion regardless of colour.
Origin
The first five letters of the alphabet, drilled into every skin check.