This is how you recognise melanoma
According to the Melanoma Foundation, it is important to keep an eye on newly developing and changing birthmarks. The foundation has created a handy method that will help you recognise melanoma more quickly: the ABCDE method. Chances are that you are dealing with melanoma when:
- Asymmetry: the birthmark isn’t symmetrical in shape or colour
- Border: the birthmark has an irregular border around it
- Colour: the birthmark changes in colour or has multiple different colours
- Diameter: the birthmark has a diameter of over 6 millimetres
- Evolving: the birthmark itches, bleeds, or changes
Apart from regularly checking your birthmarks, you should also make sure you protect your skin against the sun properly by using sunblock, for example.
You can also compare your birthmarks to the ones in the picture below. The text is in Dutch, but the birthmarks on the left are innocent and the birthmarks on the right are the ones that are suspicious. If you do have a suspicious birthmark, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: this information is not an alternative to professional medical advice. In case of doubt, please contact your doctor.
Read more: 5 signs your body is trying to tell you something important
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Source: Stichting Melanoom, Libelle| Image: Unsplash
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