Prevention & Detection

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Skin Changes Which May be Signs of Cancer

The American Cancer Society has developed an ABCD rule to help determine if a mole may have developed melanoma. If you notice any of the following signs, see your doctor at once:  
A. Asymmetry. One half does not match the other half.  
B. Border irregularity. The edges are ragged, notched or blurred.  
C. Color. The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown and black are present. Red, white and blue may add to the mottled appearance.  
D. Diameter greater than 6 millimeters. Any sudden or continuing increase in size should be of concern.  
Scaliness, oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a bump or nodule on a mole may also signal trouble. Watch for spreading of the pigment from the border of the mole into the surrounding skin, redness or new swelling beyond the mole's border or a change in sensation (itchiness, tenderness or pain), too.    
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