![Macro shot of a big skin mole on a woman's shoulder that should be inspected by a dermatologist.](https://preventcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/abcde-mole-856x580-1.jpg)
EARLY DETECTION = BETTER OUTCOMES
ABCDEs of skin cancer
It’s important to check your skin for suspicious moles once a month and report anything unusual to your health care provider.
Remember the ABCDE rule:
Asymmetry
One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
![](https://preventcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/asymmetry-normal-880x880-2.png)
![](https://preventcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/asymmetry-abnormal-880x880-1.png)
Border irregularity
The mole is uneven in shape with jagged, notched, or blurred edges
![](https://preventcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/border-normal-880x880-1.png)
![](https://preventcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/border-abnormal-880x880-1.png)
Color
The mole is not uniform in color
![](https://preventcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/color-normal-880x880-1.png)
![](https://preventcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/color-abnormal-880x880-1.png)
Diameter
The mole has a diameter greater than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
![](https://preventcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/diameter-normal-880x880-1.png)
![](https://preventcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/diameter-abnormal-880x880-1.png)
Evolving
There’s any change in the size, shape, color or elevation or the mole, or you experience any new symptoms (such as bleeding, itching or crusting)
![](https://preventcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/evolving-880x880-copy.png)