Melanoma Pictures

What does Melanoma look like?

Moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are usually harmless - but not always.

Anyone who has more than 100 moles is at greater risk for melanoma. The first signs can appear in one or more atypical moles and not all melanomas fall within the ABCDE melanoma guidelines. Most melanomas are found by patients, not doctors, making it very important for you to get to know your skin well and to recognize any changes in the moles on your body. 

Examine your skin regularly so you can know what is normal for you—it may be a good idea to take annual pictures of your moles and document changes over time.   

Atypical Mole (Dysplastic nevus) Photos

A dysplastic nevus is another term for an atypical mole that resembles melanoma but is usually benign. However, individuals who have dysplastic nevi are at increased risk for developing melanoma.

Source: National Cancer Institute	3-mm black nodule
Source: National Cancer Institute	This lesion has a dark brown, "pebbly" elevated surface against a lighter tan, macular background.
Source: National Cancer Institute	The central portion of this mole is a complex papule. The periphery is macular, irregular, indistinct and slightly pink.
Source: National Cancer Institute	This mole has a characteristic "fried egg" appearance.

Normal Moles Photos

Source: Skin Cancer Foundation

Natural History of Moles

Natural history of common acquired nevi. Ordinary moles begin as uniformly tan or brown macules, 1 to 2 mm in diameter (a), expand to a larger macule (b), progress to a pigmented papule that may be minimally (c) or obviously (d) elevated above the surface of the skin, and terminate as a pink or flesh-colored papule (e). These lesions are junctional (a,b), compound (c,d), and dermal (e) nevi, respectively. Note their smooth borders and clear demarcation from the surrounding skin.

Source: National Cancer Institute

Photos of the Different Types of Melanoma

Superficial Spreading Melanoma Superficial Spreading melanoma is the most common type of melanoma. It typically begins as a freckle, but over time may begin to change in shape, size or color.
Source: National Cancer Institute	The 4-by-8-mm, pink-tan lesion with irregular borders at the upper left (arrow) is a dysplastic nevus. Arising from it is an invasive malignant melanoma, with its characteristic blue-black color, notched border, and distorted surface. The gray area at the lower left represents tumor regression.
Source: National Cancer Institute	This large (7 by 11 mm) macular lesion displays an irregular, scalloped border, which is indistinct in some areas. In addition to hues of tan and brown, several pink areas (arrows) are present. The presence of pink colors in the macular portion of a melanocytic nevus is quite distinctive for dysplastic nevi.
Source: National Cancer Institute	The delicate, hazy, tan macular rim of this lesion, although not clinically dramatic, represents persistent melanocytic proliferation beyond the lateral limits of the common mole at its center.
Nodular Melanoma
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NodularMelanoma.jpg	Nodular melanoma may appear where a mole or lesion did not exist before and may spread rapidly in depth. Lesions are usually darkly pigmented but can also be light brown or colorless.
Ocular Melanoma
Source: www.RetinaVitreous.com	Ocular Melanoma is melanoma of the eye and is the most common type of eye cancer in adults.
Metastatic Melanoma
Source: Dr. Lance Liotta Laboratory	The most dangerous aspect of melanoma is its ability, in later stages, to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. This most often includes the brain, lungs and liver.

View More Melanoma Photos

• View melanoma photos on Facebook
• Visit our Flickr Melanoma Scar Gallery