Medically Speaking: Article 9

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Articles and Publications: Medically Speaking

Medically Speaking: Archives

Are the ABCDs enough to diagnose Melanoma?
By Elizabeth Benstock, M.D. and from the physician members of the Delaware County Medical Society

Melanoma is a life threatening form of skin cancer that can arise from an existing lesion or mole, or it can appear spontaneously. The ABCD criteria for diagnosing melanoma have guided physicians to identifying moles or new growths that are at increased risk. When examining a lesion, one looks for:

A – Asymmetry. If you were to put an imaginary line in the middle of a mole, are the two sides
equal?

B – Borders. Are they smooth or irregularly shaped?

C – Color. Is the color uniform or is it multicolored?

D – Diameter. Is the mole larger than 6mm (approximately the size of an eraser head)?

It is not necessary to meet all four of the ABCDs for a growth to have cancer cells. Those guidelines are helpful for many melanomas, but two additional criteria can also be helpful. Any mole that has CHANGED in any way – for example: increase in size, change in shape or color or just looks different than it used to should be evaluated by your physician. Another criteria, which I call “the ugly duckling theory”, is looking for a lesion amongst a group of lesions that just looks different than your other lesions, regardless of whether it has any of the ABCD criteria.

Examine your skin monthly and look for any new or changing growths. Always be cautious in the sun. Wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and apply 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Try to avoid midday sun. Also, sun protective clothing, including hats can provide additional protection. Consult your doctor to receive annual skin checks.

Note: this article is presented through the efforts of the Delaware County Medical Society and is intended for informational purposes only, the contents should not be intended as specific medical advice. “You and Your Doctor – Preserve the Relationship”.

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