Melanoma skin cancer sign: Asymmetry

Melanoma skin cancer sign: Asymmetry

A normal mole and a mole with halves that do not match.

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. The most important warning sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, or colour of a mole or other skin growth, such as a birthmark.

  • Asymmetry is one thing to watch for. This means that one half doesn't match the other half. Call your doctor if you notice that:
    • One half of a mole doesn't match the other half.

Current as of: March 1, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Amy McMichael MD - Dermatology
Donald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine