A cancerous mole, or melanoma, can have many signs, including:
Asymmetry: One half of the mole is not the same shape as the other.
Border: The mole's edge is irregular, jagged, notched, or blurry. The color may spread into the surrounding area.
Color: The mole's color is uneven, with shades of brown, black, tan, blue, gray, red, pink, or white.
Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (1/4 inch) across, which is about the size of a pea or pencil eraser.
Evolving: The mole's color, size, shape, or feel changes.
Itching or bleeding: The mole itches, bleeds, or weeps.
Elevation: The mole develops a raised area.
Surface: The mole's surface becomes rough, scaly, or ulcerated.
Ugly duckling: The mole looks different from the other spots on your skin.
Melanoma often has no symptoms, but the first sign is usually a change in an existing mo