When screening for melanoma, which characteristic of a mole would raise suspicion for possible melanoma?

When screening for melanoma, one of the significant characteristics that raises suspicion is the presence of multiple colors within a mole, particularly colors such as white, reddish, or blue-black. Melanomas often exhibit an irregular pigmentation pattern, and the appearance of different colors can indicate malignant changes within the mole. The presence of these varied colors suggests an atypical growth pattern rather than a benign mole, which is typically uniform in color.

In contrast, moles with regular borders, symmetrical shapes, and smaller diameters (such as 0.3 cm) are typically characteristics of benign nevi. Regular borders and symmetry indicate that the mole is more likely to be a typical, benign growth. Similarly, moles with a diameter of 0.3 cm are generally considered small and fall below the threshold commonly associated with concern, which usually starts at 6mm for melanoma risk. Thus, the presence of unusual colors serves as a critical warning sign for possible melanoma, prompting further evaluation by a healthcare professional.