- Pearly or waxy bumps
- Flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesions
- Bleeding or scabbing sores that heal and return
- Firm, red nodules
- Flat lesions with scaly, crusted surfaces
- Large, brownish spots with darker speckles
- Moles that change in color, size or feel or that bleed
- Small lesions with irregular borders and parts that are red, pink, white, blue, or blue/black
- Painful lesions that itch or burn
- Dark lesions on palms of hands, soles of feet, fingertips, toes, or on the mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, vagina, or anus
Naturally blond or red hair, light-colored eyes, freckle or sunburn easily
History of one or more blistering sunburns as a child or teen increases risk as an adult; Sunburns in adulthood
Includes exposure to tanning lamps/beds
Having many moles increases risk of developing cancerous changes
(e.g., due to HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressant drugs following organ transplant)
(e.g., for skin conditions such as eczema and acne)
Early detection of melanomas is particularly important because this type of skin cancer can be deadly if left untreated. Pay attention to new or changing spots, and have such spots evaluated quickly. Also take time to carefully examine your entire skin surface (scalp to sole) at least once a month. Melanomas are easiest to cure before they become dangerous, disfiguring, or deadly.