The ABCDE Method for Moles
Medical professionals use the ABCDE method to assess suspicious moles. This simple approach can help you evaluate your skin at home.
Asymmetry
Benign moles typically have symmetrical shapes where both halves match. If you draw an imaginary line through the middle, asymmetrical moles have different appearances on each side, which may indicate a problem.
Border irregularity
Normal moles usually have smooth, even borders. Melanomas often display uneven, notched, or scalloped edges that appear blurred or poorly defined when examined closely.
Color variation
Healthy moles maintain a consistent colour throughout, typically a single shade of brown. Multiple colours within one mole, such as different shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue, represent a warning sign requiring evaluation.
Diameter larger than 6mm
Most harmless moles measure smaller than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser). Larger moles warrant closer inspection, though size alone isn’t definitive—some melanomas can be smaller, while benign moles can be larger.
Evolution or changes over time
Perhaps the most important criterion is change. Any mole that evolves in size, shape, colour, elevation, or begins producing symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting requires prompt medical assessment.
When to contact the GP practice
Please contact us if you have a mole, patch or skin lesion that is:
- changing in size, shape or colour
- irregular in shape or colour
- different from your other moles
- new and growing
- bleeding, crusting, oozing or not healing
- itchy, painful, tender or changing in sensation
- 7 mm or larger and changing
How to help us assess it
When contacting the practice, please send clear photographs if our online consultation system allows this:
- One close-up photo in good light
- One photo from slightly further away showing where it is on the body
- Include how long it has been there and what has changed
- Tell us if it is bleeding, painful, itchy, growing or different from your other moles
Important
The ABCDEFG guide is helpful, but it cannot identify every melanoma. Some melanomas may be small, pale, skin-coloured, symmetrical or have only subtle changes. If you are worried about a mole or skin lesion, please contact the GP practice for advice
