Normal Mole vs. Melanoma: What to Look for in a Self-Exam

A Normal Mole

Features that set normal moles apart from melanomas include:

• Symmetry: If you drew a line through the middle, both sides would match in color, thickness, and shape.
• A consistent border: The borders are smooth and distinct.
• A consistent color: The color is also consistent throughout. The mole pictured above has red specks, but they're present throughout. (This feature can be hard to judge.)
• Small size: Moles are generally under 6 millimeters (mm) in diameter. A larger size isn't a guarantee of melanoma but it bears watching.
• Flat: Normal moles are flat. You can run your finger over it without knowing it's there.

The more of these features your mole has, the less concerning it is.

A = Asymmetry

Unlike healthy moles, melanomas are asymmetrical. One half does not match the other half in:

• Size
• Shape
• Color
• Thickness

In this picture, the left side is much thicker and darker than the right.

B = Border

While a normal mole has a smooth, consistent border, the border of a melanoma can be:

• Ragged
• Scalloped
• Blurred
• Poorly defined

The pictured melanoma has a scalloped and notched border.

C = Color

The color of melanoma isn't consistent. It can have shades of:

• Tan
• Brown
• Black
• Red
• White
• Blue

In this picture, the right side is dark black and the left side is tannish-red.

D = Diameter

Melanomas grow. Normal moles don't. So melanomas tend to be larger, with a diameter of more than 6 mm.

For perspective, 6 mm is just under a quarter inch. A pencil eraser is about 5 mm. If your mole can't be fully covered by a new eraser, it's large enough to be concerned about.

E = Elevation

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

See Photo

Melanomas can start flat but become raised as they grow. If you can feel it, it's likely abnormal.

Sometimes in melanoma assessment, the "E" in ABCDE stands for "evolving." That's because melanomas change in size, shape, and color over time.

Summary

Normal moles are symmetrical, small, and flat. They have a smooth border and consistent coloration.

Melanomas are often asymmetrical, larger than 6mm, and elevated. They have irregular borders and inconsistent coloring.

Melanomas change over time. Normal moles don't.

A Word From Verywell

You should keep an eye on your moles. But don't trust your health to a self-exam. If anything about a mole seems off or changes, get it checked.

An early melanoma diagnosis means early treatment. That gives you a better outlook.

Meanwhile, you can lower your risk of skin cancer by wearing sunscreen and avoiding excessive sunlight and tanning beds.