What are the symptoms of melanoma ?

The most common symptom is the recent appearance of a mole (nevus). Much less commonly, it will be an existing nevus that degenerates.

Using the ABCDE rule, the lesion can be described as follows :

• Asymmetrical : a mole that is neither round nor oval, with colors and textures not evenly distributed around the center.
• Irregular Borders: the edges are uneven, jagged, or poorly defined.
• Non-homogeneous Colors : presence of multiple colors.
• Increased Diameter: generally, more than 6 mm.
• Evolution: a pigmented spot that changes rapidly in appearance.

This rule defines the five warning symptoms, which are :

1. Change in shape.
2. Change in color : spots are dark brown or black and often have more than two shades.
3. Irregular shape and expanding contours.
4. Rapid appearance of a new lesion that persists, does not heal, and may be colored or flesh-colored, sometimes pinkish.
5. A lesion different from other moles or, in other words, an “ugly duckling.”

Melanoma can appear on any part of the body.

However, certain locations are often indicative: on the trunk in men and on the lower limbs in women.