What does the "ABCDE" mnemonic refer to when assessing moles for melanoma?

• A. Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving
• B. Aging, Beauty, Clarity, Density, Edge
• C. Appearances, Borderline, Contrast, Documentation, Examination
• D. Assessment, Biopsy, Consultation, Diagnosis, Education

Answer: (A)

The "ABCDE" mnemonic for assessing moles for melanoma stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving. Each element plays a crucial role in the evaluation of moles to determine the risk of melanoma, which is a serious form of skin cancer.

• Asymmetry refers to the shape of the mole; if one half does not mirror the other, it's a red flag.

• The Border aspect emphasizes the importance of the edges of the mole being irregular or poorly defined, which can indicate malignancy.

• Color checks for variations in color within the mole, as healthy moles typically have a uniform color.

• Diameter highlights that moles larger than 6 millimeters may require further examination, given that melanoma can vary in size.

• Evolving signifies changes in size, shape, color, or elevation, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting, which may indicate potential malignancy.

This systematic approach helps clinicians assess moles effectively and encourages timely intervention if abnormalities are detected.