Why the new additions? According to study author Martin Weinstock, MD, professor of dermatology at Brown University, the existing alphabet doesn’t focus enough on the unique features of nodular melanoma, an aggressive subtype of melanoma. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. And after analyzing 111,478 melanoma cases, Dr. Weinstock found nodular melanoma has “disproportionately large fatality rates,” with one in five cases ending in death. Hence the new letters. “This study is helpful in pointing out some of the features of the most serious types of melanoma,” says Maral K. Skelsey, assistant professor of dermatology at Georgetown University. “Nodular melanoma is the kind of melanoma to metastasize (spread) and cause death.” The new EFG additions make sense as warning signs of melanoma for patients, agrees Heidi Waldorf, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. “The take home point is the old American Academy of Dermatology saying: ‘See spot, see spot change, see a dermatologist.’ ” So how do you know if your mole is a cause for alarm? We’ve got you covered. A: When you draw a line down the middle of your mole, one side should mirror the other. If it doesn’t, it’s asymmetrical. B: Sketchy moles are the ones whose borders are more jagged, like the coast of Maine, says Dr. Skelsey. “It’s much more reassuring if its edges are straight, like California.” C: When it comes to color, your mole should be one color; a variety of shades is a warning sign. One exception: A solid shade of black is reason to see a dermatologist, says David Bank, MD, director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery in Mt. Kisco, New York. Nodular melanomas are often black. D: Melanomas are usually larger in diameter than a pencil eraser (1/4 inch or 6 millimeters). E: You want a lazy mole, one that’s content to just sit there and do nothing. Moles that evolve—change in size, shape, color, elevation, or they start to bleed or itch—are suspect, and should be seen by a dermatologist, says Dr. Skelsey. F: This is one case where a softer body part is better. Moles that are firm to the touch aren’t typically normal. G: You don’t want your mole to grow, especially not rapidly in a short amount of time, such as a few months or weeks. Dermatologists suggest screening yourself all over once a month for any mole changes. Other smart skin strategies: Limit your sun exposure—don’t even think about hitting up a tanning bed—particularly between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Also use a daily sunscreen that has ultraviolet A and B protection. Keep in mind that “it’s the total accumulated sun damage and exposure that’s a problem,” says Dr. Bank, “not just that one trip to St. Martin.” More from Prevention: Shop Like A Dermatologist
