Back to Menu
1. Asymmetry of the lesion
When a line is drawn through the lesion, the two halves appear asymmetric, which differs from most benign nevi and should raise suspicion.
2. Irregular borders
Borders are uneven or notched, with poorly defined margins, suggesting infiltrative growth.
3. Uneven coloration
Mixed colors (brown, black, blue, red, etc.) with an asymmetric distribution are typical features.
4. Increasing diameter
Lesions are often larger than 6 mm; any pigmented lesion that continues to enlarge warrants medical evaluation.
5. Ulceration and bleeding
Surface breakdown, easy bleeding, and poor healing are important warning signs of progression.
6. Itching and pain
Persistent itching, stinging, or burning may occur and can precede obvious morphological changes.
7. Evolution of the lesion
Noticeable changes in size, shape, color, or surface over weeks to months are a key red flag.
8. Satellite lesions
New small nodules around the primary lesion may indicate local spread.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer and can metastasize early, involving lymph nodes and vital organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain. It is therefore difficult to treat and can be life-threatening. Improving awareness of early warning signs — such as asymmetry, irregular borders, and color variegation — performing regular skin self-examinations, and seeking prompt medical evaluation for suspicious lesions are critical to improving prognosis.
1. Asymmetry of the lesion
When a line is drawn through the lesion, the two halves appear asymmetric, which differs from most benign nevi and should raise suspicion.
2. Irregular borders
Borders are uneven or notched, with poorly defined margins, suggesting infiltrative growth.
3. Uneven coloration
Mixed colors (brown, black, blue, red, etc.) with an asymmetric distribution are typical features.
4. Increasing diameter
Lesions are often larger than 6 mm; any pigmented lesion that continues to enlarge warrants medical evaluation.
5. Ulceration and bleeding
Surface breakdown, easy bleeding, and poor healing are important warning signs of progression.
6. Itching and pain
Persistent itching, stinging, or burning may occur and can precede obvious morphological changes.
7. Evolution of the lesion
Noticeable changes in size, shape, color, or surface over weeks to months are a key red flag.
8. Satellite lesions
New small nodules around the primary lesion may indicate local spread.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer and can metastasize early, involving lymph nodes and vital organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain. It is therefore difficult to treat and can be life-threatening. Improving awareness of early warning signs — such as asymmetry, irregular borders, and color variegation — performing regular skin self-examinations, and seeking prompt medical evaluation for suspicious lesions are critical to improving prognosis.