How to Detect Melanoma: The ABCDE Guide That Could Save Your Life

Skin cancer, especially melanoma, represents a serious but detectable threat. May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and for good reason: this type of cancer is the deadliest form of skin cancer and one of the most aggressive overall. The good news is that when detected early, survival rates exceed 98%.

However, when melanoma advances and spreads to distant organs, the survival rate can dramatically drop to 20-25%. This reality underscores the crucial importance of learning to detect warning signs and acting quickly.

Alarming Facts You Should Know

Before addressing how to identify a possible melanoma, it's important to understand the magnitude of the problem:

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the U.S.
Approximately 7,000 people die annually in the U.S. from melanoma
Globally, this figure rises to about 55,000 deaths annually
Melanoma rates among people aged 20-30 have increased dramatically in recent decades
It's more common in women than in men
Having five or more sunburns during childhood nearly doubles the risk of developing melanoma
Each sunburn during childhood increases the risk by 80%

The ABCDE Method: Your Tool for Detecting Melanoma

To facilitate the identification of possible melanomas, dermatologists have developed a simple acronym: ABCDE. This tool allows you to systematically evaluate moles and spots on your skin.

A for Asymmetry

Benign moles are usually symmetrical. If you were to draw a line through the middle of a normal mole, both halves should be similar in shape and size.

Warning Sign: A mole where one half is noticeably different from the other in shape, color, or thickness could be suspicious.

B for Border

Non-cancerous moles generally have smooth, regular, and well-defined borders.

Warning Sign: Irregular, jagged, poorly defined borders or those that seem to gradually fade into the surrounding skin deserve attention.

C for Color

Benign moles usually present a uniform color, generally in shades of light to dark brown.

Warning Sign: Color variations within the same mole are concerning. This includes different shades of brown, black areas, red patches, white areas, or even bluish spots.

D for Diameter

Most benign moles are small.

Warning Sign: Any mole larger than 6mm in diameter (approximately the size of a pencil eraser) should be evaluated, especially if it also presents other suspicious characteristics.

E for Evolution

Normal moles generally remain stable over time.

Warning Sign: Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or pain should be considered suspicious and requires medical evaluation.

The "Ugly Duckling" Sign

In addition to ABCDE, there's another important concept: the "ugly duckling." If you have multiple moles, pay special attention to any that look notably different from the rest.

It's normal for some people to naturally have irregular-looking moles. If all your moles look similar (even if irregular), there's probably no cause for concern. However, if one stands out as significantly different from the others, that "ugly duckling" deserves professional attention.

Hidden Places Where Melanoma Can Hide

Melanoma doesn't always appear in sun-exposed areas. It can develop in places we rarely examine:

Scalp: Especially important for people with thick hair
Between toes: A frequently forgotten area
Under nails: Can appear as a dark line
Eyes: Can affect the iris or back of the eye
Palms and soles: Areas where detection is often delayed
Intimate areas: Including genitals and anal region
Oral cavity: Inside of mouth and gums

These "hiding spots" underscore the importance of complete examinations by professionals.

Other Types of Skin Cancer You Should Know

Although melanoma is the deadliest, it's not the most common type of skin cancer. It's important to recognize:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Is the most common type of skin cancer
Appears as a pearly bump, sometimes translucent or reddish
Can be mistaken for a pimple that never heals
Grows slowly but can spread under the surface causing significant damage
It's like a plant: what you see is just the "tip," while the "roots" extend invisibly

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

More aggressive than basal cell
Presents as scaly patches, wart-like bumps, or open sores
Can spread to nerves and other organs
Common areas: lips, nose, ears, eyelids, bald scalp, and legs (especially in immunocompromised people)

The Vital Importance of Sun Protection

The best strategy against skin cancer is prevention. 90% of visible skin aging is caused by sun exposure, and this same exposure is the most significant risk factor for skin cancer.

For Vanity and Health

A study conducted with twins who led different lifestyles regarding sun exposure showed significant differences in their appearance upon reaching 50-60 years. The twin who protected herself from the sun showed notably younger-looking skin than her sister.

Smart Sun Protection Strategies

Besides using sunscreen daily, consider these practices:

Avoid intense sun: Especially between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., when the UV index usually exceeds level 3
UPF clothing: These garments (with ultraviolet protection factor) block 98% of UV rays. They're ideal for:
- Outdoor activities
- Gardening
- Beach and pool
Proper hats: Baseball caps are practically useless. Opt for wide-brimmed hats that protect face, ears, and neck. Dense materials provide better protection than straw, which allows radiation to pass through
UV visors: Made with materials similar to sunglasses, they offer excellent protection for face, neck, and chest

Regular Examinations: Your Survival Strategy

Monthly Self-Examination

Perform a complete self-examination of your skin monthly, using:

A full-length mirror
A hand mirror for hard-to-see areas
Good lighting
Reference images of suspicious lesions

Annual Dermatological Examination

All adults should undergo an annual dermatological examination. If you have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma, or additional risk factors, consider:

Semi-annual examinations
Alternating between two different dermatologists for two professional perspectives

Tips to Maximize Your Dermatological Examination

Undress completely: Dermatologists don't have X-ray vision. For a complete examination, you must remove all clothing, including underwear
Request a thorough examination: Ensure they check between toes, scalp, and all hidden areas
Consult with your gynecologist: Ask them to examine possible moles in intimate areas during your annual check-up
Leverage other professionals: Your hairdresser can alert you to moles on your scalp that you can't see
Consider body photography: Specialized services can photograph your entire body, creating a visual record of your moles that facilitates tracking changes over time

Advocate for Your Health

If you're concerned about a specific mole, even if your doctor shows no alarm, don't hesitate to request a biopsy for your peace of mind. Most dermatologists will agree to perform one.

A biopsy is a simple procedure: local anesthesia is applied, a small sample of the suspicious lesion is taken, and sent for analysis. The small resulting scar is a minimal price to pay for security and potentially for your life.

Conclusion: Knowledge Is Power

Early detection of melanoma can literally mean the difference between life and death. Armed with the ABCDE method and the prevention and detection strategies described, you have the necessary tools to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Remember:

Use sunscreen daily
Perform regular self-examinations
Schedule annual dermatological check-ups
Stay alert to changes in your skin
Don't ignore any suspicious lesions

Skin is your body's largest organ and deserves your attention. A simple mole might seem insignificant, but knowing the warning signs and acting in time can save your life.