Patients can be trained to recognize skin cancer. The most important warning sign to look for is a spot on the skin, such as a mole, that changes in size, shape, texture or color. This change may occur over a period of several weeks to one to two years. Such changes should be evaluated immediately by a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in the physiology or pathology of the skin) or other qualified physician.

The American Academy of Dermatology lists the ABCDs of spotting malignant (cancerous) melanoma. These include:

• A is for asymmetry. One half of the mole or lesion looks different from the other half.
  
  
• B is for border. A border around the mole that is irregular, scalloped or undefined.
  
  
• C is for color. If the color is different in one part of the mole than the rest.
  
  
• D is for diameter. Moles or lesions that are larger than 6 millimeters.

Some physicians add “E” for elevated: a mole that becomes raised or three-dimensional in texture.

The signs and symptoms of melanoma should be thoroughly reviewed by a qualified physician. Some common symptoms of a suspicious mole include:

• Darker or variable discoloration
  
  
• Scaliness or itching
  
  
• An increase in size
  
  
• Development of satellites (spreading of pigment form the mole to surrounding skin)
  
  
• Ulceration or bleeding (later signs)
  
  
• Change in texture of the mole (possibly becoming hard, lumpy or rough)
  

It is important to note that many skin changes do not indicate the presence of cancer. However, patients should immediately notify their physician if any of these changes occur.