Question

1. finally, review the abcdes of malignant melanomas. what does each letter stand for, and what are the indicators of malignancy? a b c d e

Explanation:

• A (Asymmetry): A normal mole is usually symmetrical, meaning if you draw a line through the middle, both halves match. In a malignant melanoma, the mole is asymmetrical—one half doesn't match the other in shape, size, or color.
• B (Border): Benign moles have smooth, even, and well - defined borders. Malignant melanomas often have irregular, ragged, blurred, or notched borders.
• C (Color): Normal moles are usually a single shade of brown, tan, or black. Melanomas typically have multiple colors within the same lesion, such as different shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
• D (Diameter): Most benign moles are relatively small, usually less than 6 millimeters in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser). A mole larger than 6 mm in diameter is more likely to be a melanoma, although early melanomas can also be smaller.
• E (Evolution): This refers to changes in the mole over time. If a mole is changing in size, shape, color, or if it starts to itch, bleed, or become tender, these are signs of possible malignancy as melanomas often evolve or change characteristics.

Answer:

• A: Asymmetry - One half of the mole does not match the other half.
• B: Border - The edges of the mole are irregular, ragged, blurred, or notched.
• C: Color - The mole has multiple colors (e.g., different shades of brown, black, red, white, blue) or is not uniform in color.
• D: Diameter - The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), although early melanomas can be smaller.
• E: Evolution - The mole changes in size, shape, color, or begins to itch, bleed, or become tender over time.