Black Spot or Melanoma abcde
Dear Doctor
a black spot happeared on my shoulder skin yesterday (I think), and i wanna know everything about what it can be, it it can be cancer i wanna go to doctor the quicker i can.
Dear Patient
Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer which can present as a black spot.
To identify a malignant melanoma, the following ABCDE melanoma guidelines have been developed:
ABCDE Melanoma
A Asymmetry
This means that the lesion does not have a uniform appearance when both its sides are compared.
Your black spot has a nice, round uniform shape.
B Borders
The borders of a melanoma are usually uneven and ragged.
Your black spot has nice, smooth borders.
C Color Variation
Melanomas tend to have color variations with different shades of brown, black, red and blue.
Your black spot has different shades of brown .
D Diameter
Melanomas are usually larger than 6 mm when first discovered.
I do not know the size of your black spot but you can measure it at home.
E Evolving
Melanomas usually change in size, color, shape and even begin bleeding or getting itchy or painful.
Only you can answer if your black spot has been changing since you first noticed it.
I suggest that you consult your nearest dermatologist for a face to face examination.
Ask a Dermatologist your Question
Click here to ask a Dermatologist a question about your skin, hair or nail condition and get a confidential answer by email within 3 days.
Categorised as: Ask a Dermatologist Online | Skin Diseases