Is that mole cancerous? Use the ABCDE rule to help find out

BY: Landen B. Green, DO | Caravel Health DPC

Soak up the sun while it’s here, everyone! Those pumpkin spice lattes and aisles of Halloween décor will be here before we know it—so if you’re like me and love summer more than winter, lather on some sunscreen and get outside.

While the sun is amazing for both physical and mental health, we all know it can also damage our skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Here’s the cheat sheet doctors use to assess whether a “weird mole” might be cancerous.

Just remember A, B, C, D, E:

A – Asymmetry
If you draw a line through the center of the spot, do the two halves match? Symmetry is a reassuring sign.

B – Borders
The border is the outermost part of the spot and goes all the way around the lesion. If the boarder looks smooth and uniform, it is reassuring. However, if the boarder is “irregular” and has many shapes, peninsulas, bays and islands that is a more concerning factor. 

C – Color
Uniform color is a good sign. Skin spots that have a variety of different colors within the same spot make it more suspicious than a spot of only one, solid color. 

D – Diameter
This is a rather simple one: any spot over 6mm is considered something to keep a close eye on.

E – Evolution
Last but certainly not least, evolution is referring to how a spot is changing over time. If a spot is changing in size, shape, color, or starts bleeding or scabbing, it is a sign to have the spot checked out closely by a well-trained provider. 

Now, go ahead and take a look at your skin and give yourself a quiz.

All of these factors play a major role in determining the risk of a skin lesion and there are many other factors outside of this reference that must be considered when determining if an area of skin is concerning for cancer.

These 5 factors, along with others, help doctors determine if a small portion of skin needs to be biopsied (removed) for further evaluation under a microscope.

If you or someone you know has a “weird mole” or any suspicious spot, contact your primary care doctor or dermatologist for a skin exam as soon as possible. Don't delay - and if you’re out in the sun (even during the PSL season), please wear sunscreen. 

Best in health,
Landen B. Green, DO
Caravel Health DPC