ABCDE rule (melanoma)
Dermatology
Also known as: ABCDE-Regel · ABCDE kuralı · ABCDE rule for pigmented skin lesions (melanoma warning signs)
What it is for
ABCDE is a mnemonic of visible features that raise suspicion of melanoma in a pigmented skin lesion on naked-eye inspection. The original ABCD (1985) was extended in 2004 by E for evolution.
Classification
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| A – Asymmetry | the two halves of the lesion do not match in shape or colour. |
| B – Border irregularity | ragged, notched or blurred edge. |
| C – Colour variegation | several shades or colours within one lesion. |
| D – Diameter | larger than 6 mm. |
| E – Evolving | change over time in size, shape, colour, surface (e.g. bleeding) or symptoms (e.g. itch, tenderness). |
| Note | a screening aid, not a diagnosis; some melanomas (for example small or nodular ones) do not show all features. |
Source
Early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma: revisiting the ABCD criteria
JAMA 2004;292:2771–2776 (Abbasi NR et al.)
PMID: 15585738
- Edition
- ABCD 1985 (Friedman, Rigel, Kopf), extended to ABCDE (Evolving) 2004 (Abbasi et al.)
- Checked on
Summary of the published classification in our own words. Not a substitute for the original publication.
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