Your monthly skin check guide
1
Know the ABCDEs of melanoma The ABCDEs of melanoma are signs to look for during your monthly skin check. If you find a spot with 1 or more of these ABCDEs, see a dermatologist to have it checked out. Asymmetry: Compare each half of the mole by visually dividing the mole in half. If one half does not match the other half, the mole is asymmetric. Border: Look at the edges of the mole. A mole with an irregular or jagged border is concerning. Color: Check the color of the mole. The mole should be a single color of brown or black. A mole with different colors or areas of pink, red, white, or blue is concerning. Diameter: Measure the size of the mole with a ruler. A mole should not be bigger than 6 millimeters across (no bigger than a pencil eraser). Evolution (or change): Keep track of any changes that happen over time, even if they seem small. Also check for new moles or spots.
Check your entire body To start, make sure you have:
2
A large mirror
A handheld mirror
A comb
Step 1: Look at your face, including your nose, lips, mouth, and behind your ears.
Step 2: Check your head and scalp (under your hair) using a comb to part your hair. If you don’t have a lot of hair, check your entire scalp (because your head gets more sunlight)!
Step 3: Check the front and back of your hands, in between your fingers, and your fingernails.
Step 4: Check your arms and armpits. Don’t forget to lift your arms!
Looking for the ABCDEs in your monthly skin checks may help you find: • A mole or spot that changes • A sore that will not heal • A new lump • A mole that becomes itchy, painful, tender, or bleeds
• A dark area under or next to a fingernail or toenail • Redness or swelling around a mole • A “funny looking” or “ugly” spot
Step 5: Look at your neck, chest, and upper body. Check between and under your breasts and any skin folds.
Step 6: Use a handheld mirror to check the back of your neck and back.
Step 7: Keep using your mirror to check your bottom, genitals, and the back of your legs. Lastly, check the bottoms of your feet, between your toes, and your toenails.
Can’t see the hard-to-reach places? Find someone to help you! This could be your partner, roommate, or a close friend.
14 | Melanoma Patient Guide Stages 0-1
melanoma.org | 15
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator