Melanoma may not have symptoms that may be common to other types of cancers or illnesses, but there is one tell-tale way to assume a doctor’s appointment should be made. People should monitor their skin health and complete self skin examinations. These examinations can reveal one of the most telling symptoms of melanoma, the changing color, size, or shape of a mole.

Keep an Eye on Moles

People who have moles, whether they have one or more than 40, should keep an eye on the status of their moles. The rule of thumb is called ABCD. This acronym stands for asymmetry, border, color, and diameter. A change or presence of these factors may signify that a doctor’s appointment should be scheduled. Moles that have become susceptible to melanoma development may show signs of all these four requirements or may show only one or two.

Moles that are asymmetric in size, meaning one side is not equal to the other, should be watched for potential changes. If the borders of the mole are ragged, bumpy, or not clearly defined, the mole should also be carefully monitored. The mole may change color or may be a multitude of colors, from white, gray, and red to even pink and blue. Any changes in color should be taken into consideration when the doctor’s appointment is made. Finally, if the mole increases in diameter, especially if it is bigger than the size of an ordinary pencil eraser, you should consider scheduling a doctor’s visit. These can all be signs of a mole that is developing into a melanoma.

It is very important that melanomas be caught as soon as possible. When the melanoma is thin and still relatively atop the skin’s surface, it may be much more easily removed. If left untreated, the melanoma can work its way into the skin and grow down to healthy tissues. In this way, it can work to spread to other healthy tissues and even to organs, and from there it will be extremely difficult to treat with surgery.

Although melanoma does not usually have the same symptoms as other types of cancer –leukemia, for example, has symptoms including frequent infections and bruising—people who carefully monitor their skin will know it is time for an appointment when they see changes.