Moles, the “ABCDE Rule” and the “Ugly Duckling Sign”
The ABCDE rule is a simple, straightforward method of recognising the characteristics of a skin lesion that could indicate melanoma rather than a common mole.
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Asymmetry: if you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves don’t match
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Border: melanoma borders tend to be uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges.
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Color: multiple colors are a warning sign, a melanoma may have different shades of brown, tan or black. The colors red, white or blue may also appear.
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Diameter: it’s a warning sign if a lesion is the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm in diameter) or larger.
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Evolving: any change in size, shape, color or elevation of a spot on your skin, or any new symptom in it, such as bleeding, itching or crusting, may be a warning sign.
This rule is widely recognised and recommended by medical and scientific organisations, such as the American Academy of Dermatology, for performing skin self-examinations.
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The Ugly Duckling is another warning sign. Most normal moles on your body resemble one another, while melanomas stand out like ugly ducklings in comparison. This highlights the importance of not just checking for irregularities, but also comparing any suspicious spot to surrounding moles to determine whether it looks different. These ugly duckling lesions can be larger, smaller, lighter or darker, compared to surrounding moles.
It is essential to regularly check your skin using the ‘ABCDE rule’ and the ‘Ugly Duckling Sign’ to enable the early diagnosis of melanoma. If you notice any suspicious changes or have any doubts, you should consult a dermatologist for a thorough evaluation.
Mole mapping is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses specialized imaging technology to obtain high-resolution images of the skin surface. A dermatologist will use a specialized camera to take images of your skin, focusing on any moles or skin spots. These images are then analyzed and compared to previous images to track any changes. By systematically monitoring new or evolving lesions, mole mapping facilitates the early detection of melanoma and other cutaneous malignancies before it becomes a more serious issue. Individuals at increased risk for melanoma (e.g. very fair skin phototypes) are recommended to undergo dermatoscopic evaluation at least once a year, while individuals without significant risk factors may be examined every two to three years. Finally, you should always consult a dermatologist promptly if you notice any suspicious changes in a mole.