Imagine a line down the center of your mole. Compare the two sides of the mole. Consider the size of each half, the shape of the edges, the color, and how raised each side is. If the two sides of the mole appear to match, then it’s symmetrical. If they don’t match up, then your mole is asymmetrical.
A smooth border does not mean that it will look like a perfect circle; rather, a smooth border will not have a jagged edge or be misshapen. Melanoma borders may be notched or scalloped. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Don’t dismiss a suspicious mole just because it is small. In the early stages, a melanoma can be small. [5] X Research source If a mole grows at all, even if it’s still small, get it checked by your doctor. Have your doctor check any moles larger than ¼ inch (6 millimeters), regardless of whether or not it has other signs of melanoma. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Use your finger to check the firmness of your moles. Check with your doctor if a mole feels hard.
Consider the size and shape of your moles to see if one is bigger or smaller. The suspicious mole should stand out in appearance from the others. Look at the color of your moles to check for an odd one. For example, if all of your moles are dark brown, but a light brown mole has appeared, then get that one checked out. A suspicious mole may have more than one color and up to three, brown, light brown and purplish.
New moles or lesions are more questionable if you don’t have many moles. People with few moles are less likely to develop a new one that is benign. New moles can be more questionable in elderly people. [9] X Research source
The swelling could be minute rather than a lump, so don’t dismiss a slightly raised area. The redness could be pink rather than a dark red. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source
