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What does melanoma look like?
Most people have some type of skin spots known as freckles, age spots, liver spots, nevi and moles. The mnemonic ABCDEF has been developed to teach people what to look for. A combination of 2 or 3 criteria from below (A+B, A+D+F, etc.) is abnormal.
A is for Asymmetry
if you divided the spot in half, one side would not match the other
B is for Border
the outside edge of the spot is irregular, notched or scalloped
C is for Color
more than one color in a spot; the presence of the colors red, black or blue; darker than other moles on body
D is for Diameter
> 6mm (size of a pencil eraser) measuring across the width or length of the spot
E is for Evolving or Enlargement
those spots that have changed with respect to:
-size - any growth horizontally or vertically (independent of original size, meaning even if it is less than 6 mm)
-shape
-symptoms (itching, tenderness)
-surface (bleeding)
-shades (of color)
F is for Feel
spot feels rough, sandpaper-like, scabs over repeatedly, itches or bleeds, is tender to the touch | 
