Melanoma: Warning Signs to Know

Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer, but also one of the most curable when detected early. In France, approximately 15,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

The ABCDE rule

This simple method helps identify suspicious moles:

• A — Asymmetry: one half of the mole does not match the other
• B — Border: irregular, notched, or poorly defined edges
• C — Color: varied shades (brown, black, red, white, blue) within the same lesion
• D — Diameter: larger than 6 mm (size of a pencil eraser)
• E — Evolving: any change in size, shape, color, or thickness

Risk factors

• Fair skin, light eyes, red or blond hair
• History of severe sunburns in childhood
• High number of moles (> 50)
• Family history of melanoma
• Use of tanning beds

When to consult

Any skin lesion that changes in appearance, bleeds spontaneously, or appears de novo after age 30 warrants a dermatological consultation. Dermoscopic examination allows visualization of structures invisible to the naked eye.

A quarterly skin self-exam, combined with annual dermatological consultation for people at risk, remains the best screening strategy.