Melanoma

• Most deadly form of skin cancer.
• If left untreated can spread to other parts of the body.
• Appears as a new spot or an existing spot that changes in colour, size or shape.
• Can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun.

Nodular Melanoma

• Grows quickly.
• Looks different from common melanomas. Raised and even in colour.
• Many are red or pink and some are brown or black.
• They are firm to touch and dome-shaped.

Basil Cell Carcinoma

• Most common, least dangerous form of skin cancer.
• Red, pale or pearly in colour, appears as a lump or dry, scaly area.
• May ulcerate or fail to completely heal.
• Grows slowly, usually on areas that are often exposed to the sun.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• A thickened, red scaly spot that may bleed easily, crust or ulcerate.
• Grows over some months, usually on areas often exposed to the sun.
• More likely to occur in people over 50 years of age.

‘A’ is for Asymmetry

Asymmetry means one half of a mole does not match the other half. Normal moles are symmetrical. When checking your moles or freckles, draw an imaginary line through the middle and compare the two halves. If they do not look the same on both sides, have it checked by a dermatologist.

‘B’ is for Border

If the border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred, or irregular, have it checked by a dermatologist. Melanoma lesions often have uneven borders.

‘C’ is for Color

A mole that does not have the same color throughout or that has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red is suspicious. Normal moles are usually a single shade of color. A mole of many shades or that has lightened or darkened should be checked by a doctor.

‘D’ is for Diameter

A mole is suspicious if the diameter is larger than the eraser of a pencil.
A mole that is evolving – shrinking, growing larger, changing color, begins to itch or bleed – should be checked.