The first sign of a melanoma is usually the appearance of a new spot, or a change in an existing freckle or mole. The change may be in size, shape or colour and is normally noticed over several weeks or months.

ABCD Guidelines for the early detection of Melanoma

The ABCD guidelines provide a very useful way to monitor your skin and detect the early signs of melanoma. It is important that you seek expert advice if you notice any of the following:

• A is for ASYMMETRY: One-half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
• B is for BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
• C is for COLOUR: The colour is not the same all over, but may have differing shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of red, white, or blue.
• D is for DIAMETER: The area is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger.

Some individuals and families with specific forms of dysplastic naevi (unusual moles) can be at particular risk of developing melanoma. These naevi are often greater than 8mm in diameter, have poorly defined margins, and display variegations of pink, tan and brown pigments. These individuals need regular expert monitoring in addition to onging self review.

The most important warning sign for skin cancer is a spot on the skin that is changing in size, shape, or colour over a period of time. Self-examination of the skin is an important activity for all those living in Australia and especially those with known risk factors for melanoma.

Skin cancers (including melanoma) that are detected and treated early have the best outcome, and need less invasive treatment.  For those at greater risk, we recommend self screening every 3-6 months.  For more examples of what melanoma, other skin cancers, and benign (non-cancerous) lesions look like, visit the Sydney Melanoma Diagnositc Centre's skin cancer page.