The first sign of a melanoma is usually the appearance of a new spot, or a change in an existing freckle or mole. The change may be in size, shape or colour and is normally noticed over several weeks or months.

• Make sure you check your entire body, including skin not normally exposed to the sun. 
• Use a hand-held mirror or ask for help from someone else to check difficult areas, such as your back and neck.  
• Use a comb to move hair aside and check your scalp.

ABCD Guidelines for the early detection of Melanoma

The ABCD guidelines provide a very useful way to monitor your skin and detect the early signs of melanoma. It is important that you seek expert advice if you notice any of the following:

• A is for ASYMMETRY: One-half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
• B is for BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
• C is for COLOUR: The colour is not the same all over, but may have differing shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of red, white, or blue.
• D is for DIAMETER: The area is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger.

Dysplastic naevi

Some individuals and families with specific forms of dysplastic naevi (unusual moles) can be at particular risk of developing melanoma. These naevi are often greater than 8mm in diameter, have poorly defined margins, and display variegations of pink, tan and brown pigments. These individuals need regular expert monitoring in addition to ongoing self review.