Symptoms:

The primary symptom of any skin cancer is usually a mole, sore, lump, or growth on the skin. Any change in appearance of a pigmented skin lesion over time is a warning sign. Also, watch for any bleeding from a skin growth.

The ABCD system may help you remember features that might be a symptom of melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half of the abnormal area is different from the other half.
• Borders: The lesion or growth has irregular edges.
• Color: Color changes from one area to another, with shades of tan, brown, or black (sometimes white, red, or blue). A mixture of colors may appear within one lesion.
• Diameter: The trouble spot is usually (but not always) larger than 6 mm in diameter -- about the size of a pencil eraser.

The key to treating melanoma is recognizing symptoms early. You might not notice a small spot of concern if you don't look carefully, so perform thorough self-examinations monthly, and schedule a formal skin exam with a dermatologist yearly.

Signs and tests:

If you notice any suspicious skin markings, see your health care provider as soon as possible.

The American Cancer Society recommends professional skin examinations every year for people older than 40, and every 3 years for people aged 20 - 40. Monthly self-examination is also recommended.

Your health care provider may suspect melanoma based on the appearance of the growth, sore, or lump. A biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy may involve removal of a small area of a growth, or the entire growth itself.