Self check

Melanoma ABCDEs

Moles may develop genetically or from sun exposure. They may increase in number during adolescence, pregnancy or with chemotherapy. Changing or growing moles should be examined by a specialist for features of melanoma especially if they have any features of "ABCDE".

One side of the mole looks different from the other

Border

Craggy or irregular borders

Colour

Multiple colours

Diameter

Larger moles are more likely to be concerning

Our specialists use magnified imaging with polarised light for dermoscopic examination. This enables us to identify microscopic features of melanoma or pre-cancerous "dysplasia" or "insitu" growth. These suspicious lesions are either fully removed or sampled with a biopsy for laboratory analysis.