CEA Nursing Practice Exam

Based on the ABCDE criteria for melanoma, which finding would be considered suspicious?

1. Irregular borders

2. Symmetrical nature

3. Brown color

4. Diameter of 0.4 cm

The correct answer is: Irregular borders

The finding of irregular borders is considered suspicious based on the ABCDE criteria for melanoma. The ABCDE criteria, which stand for Asymmetry, Borders, Color, Diameter, and Evolving, provide essential characteristics to help identify potential melanomas. Irregular borders refer to edges that are not smooth or have uneven notches, which can indicate malignant changes in a lesion. In cases where the borders are irregular, this often suggests that the lesion could be spreading or changing in an atypical manner, a hallmark of malignancy. It indicates that the growth is not contained and may lead to a more serious health issue. In contrast, symmetrical lesions, a uniform brown color, and small diameters (such as 0.4 cm) are generally not indicative of melanoma. Symmetrical shapes tend to suggest a benign process, while a uniform color and smaller size are typically associated with non-cancerous skin lesions.