Melanoma skin cancer
Some melanomas develop from existing moles. The rest grow on what was previously normal skin. See your doctor if you notice a:
new abnormal mole
mole that seems to be growing or changing
change to a previously normal patch of skin
It's important to know what your skin looks like normally. This helps you notice any unusual changes.
For parts of your body that are hard to see, you can use a mirror. Or ask your partner or a friend to check those areas.
Doctors use a checklist which explains some of the signs of melanoma to look out for. It's called the ABCDE list. See your doctor straight away if you are worried.
Melanomas can stand out from your other moles. So, if a mole looks very different or is much darker than others you have, you should get it checked. Even if you have none of the ABCDE signs.
This refers to the shape of the mole or abnormal patch of skin.
Melanomas are likely to have an uneven shape. The two halves may be different shapes or sizes (asymmetrical).
Normal moles usually have a more even shape and the two halves are similar (symmetrical).
This refers to the edges of the mole or abnormal patch of skin.
Melanomas are more likely to have irregular edges (border) that are blurry or jagged.
Normal moles usually have a smooth, regular border.
This refers to the colour of the mole or abnormal patch of skin.
Melanomas are often an uneven colour and contain more than one shade. A melanoma might have different shades of black, brown and pink.
Normal moles usually have an even colour. If they have 2 colours in them, the colours are normally symmetrical across the 2 halves.
This refers to how wide the mole or abnormal patch of skin is.
Most melanomas are more than 6mm wide. But they can be smaller if diagnosed early.
Normal moles are usually about the size of the end of a pencil or smaller.
Evolving means changing.
Melanomas might change in size, shape or colour. Or you might notice other changes such as:
bleeding
itching
a change in sensation to a mole or area of abnormal skin
a mole becoming crusty
Most melanomas don’t give you symptoms like pain or itching. And some non cancerous (benign) moles or abnormal patches of skin can be itchy. So having some of these changes on their own doesn't mean you definitely have melanoma. But you should still get it checked.
Melanoma in people with brown or black skin may be more difficult to see. The mole or abnormal patch of skin might:
not show any of the ABCD signs
be symmetrical
be broken and sore (ulcerated)
be a pink colour
be under a finger or toe nail
be on the palm of the hand or sole of the foot
Looking at photographs of abnormal moles and melanomas may help you to recognise what is not normal. Remember though, it's what's not normal for you that counts.
See photographs of abnormal moles, skin patches and melanomas
You can get a melanoma skin cancer anywhere on the body. But they are more common in certain parts. This differs for men and women.
Melanomas in men are most common on the back, tummy or chest (trunk). In women, the most common site is the legs.
Rarely, melanoma can start in the eye.
You might be able to see a dark spot if it's growing in the coloured part of the eye (iris).
But if a melanoma is growing inside the eye, there is usually no outward sign. But you might have changes to your eyesight.
This type of melanoma is most often diagnosed during a routine eye check by an optician or eye specialist.
Although melanoma of the eye starts in melanocyte cells, it is a separate type of cancer to melanoma skin cancer. How doctors describe it (the stage of the cancer) and the treatment is different. It is also not linked to exposure to the sun.
Last reviewed: 02 Jan 2025
Next review due: 02 Jan 2028
Melanoma skin cancer starts in skin cells called melanocytes. You can get it anywhere on your skin including in a mole, on your palms, the soles of your feet and under your nails.
These pictures are only a guide to what melanoma skin cancers may look like. If you’re worried about a skin change it is important to get it checked by your GP.
Melanoma starts in cells called melanocytes. You have these in your skin and other parts of your body including your eye. There are different types of melanoma skin cancer.
See your GP if you develop a new mole, abnormal area of skin or changes to an existing mole. They will look at it and may refer you to a specialist.
Find out more about Tests for melanoma skin cancer
Melanoma develops in cells called melanocytes. You have these in your skin and other parts of your body. Melanoma that starts in the skin is called melanoma skin cancer.
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