How to spot melanoma

@dermatologee Melanoma is a deadly cancer that starts on the skin. The prognosis is best when detected early. If you see an ugly duckling mole, especially if it is NEW, see a derm. #melanomaawareness #skincancer #themoreyouknow #dermatologist #greenscreen #medstudent #learnontiktok #fyp ♬ original sound - DR GEE | Dermatologist

Expert

Dr Sarah Gee: Harvard-trained dermatologist

Reality

Dr Sarah Gee notices that the vast majority of melanomas have one thing in common: the ugly duckling mole.

These moles look different or are acting differently than the other moles on her patient's body.

She offers an example: one patient was covered with very small uniform brown moles, though one in particular was three or four colors, has an irregular border, and is asymmetrical.

She points out that 80% of melanomas are new moles, while 20% come from preexisting moles.

If there's that one mole, it looks different, it’s acting differently, it feels different, and if it's new, definitely get checked by a dermatologist.

Resources

Melanoma Warning Signs: What You Need to Know About Early Signs of Skin Cancer