Changes in mole shape or color

Changes to a mole should be examined

Anytime that a mole changes color, size or shape, it should be examined by a doctor for signs of malignant melanoma (skin cancer).

If a mole changes color from brown to black or grows to a size bigger than the eraser tip of a pencil, then it should be removed and checked for signs of cancer. It is important to have a doctor check a mole as soon as possible if the following symptoms are present:

• change in width
• change in thickness
• change in shape
• change in color
• irregular outline
• itchiness
• soreness
• bleeding 

A-B-C-D signs of melanoma.

Patients may display 1 or more of the following symptoms of melanoma:

• A is asymmetry of a spot or mole. 
• B is the border of the spot, which is often ragged. 
• C refers to the color, which is often uneven. The mole may have shades of black, brown, or tan. 
• D is the diameter. The spot should be checked when there is an increase in size. Melanomas are usually larger than 1/4 inch.