What should you know about asymmetrical melanoma?

Some harmless moles are uneven, and some melanomas are subtle. A lesion that is new, changing or unlike your other marks deserves professional examination, particularly when it also has an irregular border, varied colours, bleeding, crusting or persistent itching.

Visual asymmetry means one imaginary half does not broadly match the other. Clinicians assess the entire pattern, including pigment distribution, edges, surface and how the mark has evolved, rather than using a single feature as a diagnosis.

Melanoma can arise within an existing mole or appear as a new pigmented or non-pigmented growth. A dermatologist may inspect it with a dermatoscope and compare it with surrounding lesions. Definitive diagnosis generally requires removal of suspicious tissue for laboratory examination.

Book a skin assessment rather than trying to classify the spot from an image or app. Record when you first noticed it and take a well-lit photograph with a size reference so change can be discussed. Mention previous skin cancers, significant sun exposure and relevant family history.

Do not cut, burn, freeze or apply bleaching products to the lesion. Altering it can injure the skin and make subsequent assessment more difficult. Protect the area from further sun exposure while awaiting the appointment.

Arrange prompt medical review for a new or changing asymmetric lesion, a mark that looks different from the rest, or a spot that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, ulcerates, itches or hurts. These features warrant examination but do not by themselves establish melanoma.

If melanoma is diagnosed, the care team will discuss complete removal and whether further staging is appropriate. New neurological symptoms, severe breathlessness or rapidly worsening general health in someone with known melanoma require urgent medical advice.

Ask which features are concerning, whether the whole lesion should be removed, how and when results will be communicated, what the report means for further surgery or staging, and how to monitor the rest of your skin between visits.