Slide show: Melanoma pictures to help identify skin cancer

Melanoma — a serious form of skin cancer — is often curable if you find it early. These melanoma pictures can help you determine what to look for.

Follow this A-B-C-D-E guide, adapted from the American Academy of Dermatology's self-examination guide, to determine if an unusual mole or suspicious spot on your skin may be melanoma.

Asymmetrical skin growths, in which one part is different from the other, may indicate melanoma. Here, the left side of the mole is dark and slightly raised, whereas the right side is lighter in color and flat.

Melanomas may have borders that are vaguely defined. Growths with irregular, notched or scalloped borders need to be examined by a doctor.

Multiple colors or uneven distribution of color may indicate cancer.

A skin growth's large size may be an indication of cancer. A rapid increase in size over weeks or months may indicate cancer. Have your doctor check out any growth larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser (about 1/4 inch or 6 millimeters).

The mole shown here does not fit into any of the other criteria — size, shape, color or pattern. But watch moles like these closely for changes, due to the small amount of color irregularity.

Look for changes over time, such as a mole that grows in size or that changes color or shape. Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as new itchiness or bleeding.