What is the difference between a melanoma and an ordinary mole?
A normal mole is an evenly-colored brown, tan, or black spot in the skin. It is either flat or raised, its shape is round or oval, and it has sharply defined borders. Moles are generally less than 6 millimeters in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser). A mole may be present at birth, or it may appear spontaneously, usually in the first few decades of life. Sometimes several moles appear at about the same time, especially on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Once a mole has fully developed, it normally remains the same size, shape, and color for many years. Most moles eventually fade away in older persons. Almost everyone has moles, an average of about 25. The vast majority of moles are perfectly harmless. A sudden or continuous change in a mole’s appearance is a sign that you should see your physician. ABCD rule of the signs of melanoma • Asymmetry. One half does not match the other half. • Border irregularity. The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred. • Color. The pigmentation is
