The diameter of melanomas is usually greater than 6 mm. You can see in this picture that this lesion on the cheek is definitely larger than 6 mm.
Other abnormal features of this lesion include:
- Asymmetry - If you cut this lesion in half, the halves would not look the same in color, size, and thickness.
- Border - The border of this lesion is wavy and scalloped especially on the left. The border on the right side of the lesion is indistinct.
Sources: Barnhill, Raymond and Keith Llewellyn. "Benign Melanocytic Neoplasms." Dermatology. Ed. Jean L Bolognia, MD, et al. London: Mosby, 2003. 1768-70. Habif, Thomas. "Nevi and Malignant Melanoma." Clinical Dermatology, 3rd ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 1996. 688-692. "How to Perform a Self-Examination." American Academy of Dermatology. 2006. American Academy of Dermatology. 4 May 2007.
