Signs and Symptoms

Information on this site was obtained directly from the National Cancer Institute and The Skin Cancer Foundation, two excellent resources for detailed information about melanoma. For more information, please go to:

National Cancer Institute - http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/melanoma
The Skin Cancer Foundation - http://www.skincancer.org

Disclaimer: The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should not rely on any information contained on this site as a substitute for medical advice and always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.

Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the shape, color, size, or feel of an existing mole. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole. Melanomas can vary greatly in how they look. Many show all of the ABCDE features shown below. However, some may show changes or abnormal areas in only one or two of the ABCDE features.

In more advanced melanoma, the texture of the mole may change. The skin on the surface may break down and look scraped. It may become hard or lumpy. The surface may ooze or bleed. Sometimes the melanoma is itchy, tender, or painful.

Having a variety of colors is another warning signal. A number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear. A melanoma may also become red, blue or some other color.