What is the melanoma screening ?

Self-monitoring of a mole or a spot on the skin is a simple and highly effective method for melanoma screening.

In practice, it is recommended to perform this self-examination every four months using the ABCDE rule (as previously explained). Pay particular attention to any mole or spot that stands out from the others.

This is the principle of the “ugly duckling”. The “ugly duckling” is a mole that looks different from the other moles, for example, a flat and black mole among flat and brown moles.

If a person notices that a mole or spot on the skin meets one or more criteria of the ABCDE rule and/or sees an “ugly duckling,” they should consult a dermatologist.

People from high-risk families should initially be under special surveillance by a dermatologist. To be effective, screening must be early. In fact, the earlier melanoma is detected, the less likely it is to be invasive.