follow-up exam.
Palm said people should check their own skin at least once a month, looking for what she calls the “ABCDEs” of melanoma:
Asymmetry. One half of a spot is unlike the other half.
Border. The spot has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
Color. The spot has varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown or black, or areas of white, red or blue.
Diameter. Melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser, when diagnosed. However, they can be smaller.
Evolving. The spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.
Palm considers “E” the most important. “That means anything new or changing,” she said. “If a spot is new, if it’s itchy, if it’s sensitive, if it bleeds or crusts.”
People who find one of these warning signs should see a
