Moles to Melanoma: Recognizing the ABCDE Features

Moles to Melanoma: Recognizing the ABCDE Features This website uses a series of photographs to help people see how common moles, dysplastic nevi, and melanomas are different. Each series of images is described with its ABCDE features: asymmetry, border, color, diameter (size), and evolving, or changing over time.

Moles to Melanoma: Recognizing the ABCDE Features

Common Moles

A non-cancerous growth on the skin that is formed by a cluster of melanocytes (cells that make a substance called melanin, which gives color to skin and eyes). A mole may be dark or flesh-colored and may be raised from the skin.

Dysplastic Nevi (DN)

A type of mole that may develop into a type of skin cancer called malignant melanoma. They look different from common moles. A dysplastic nevus is often larger with borders that are not easy to see. Its color is usually uneven and can range from pink to dark brown. Parts of the mole may be raised above the skin surface.

Melanoma

A form of cancer that begins in melanocytes (cells that make the pigment melanin). It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.