| Most early melanomas are asymmetrical:
a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are
round and symmetrical. |
The borders of early melanomas are
often uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges. Common moles have
smoother, more even borders. |
Common moles usually are a single
shade of brown. Varied shades of brown, tan, or black are often the first
sign of melanoma. As melanomas progress, the colors red, white and blue may
appear. |
Early melanomas tend to grow larger
than common moles - generally to at least the size of a pencil eraser (about
6mm, or 1/4 inch, in diameter). |
