This website has been designed to help members of the public and the general medical community increase their awareness of the changes in moles that could indicate the development of cancerous changes known as malignant melanoma.

Detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cutaneous malignant melanomas at the earliest possible stage will give the highest possible cure rate.

We know that people with a large number of moles have an increased risk of developing a malignant melanoma. We also know that people with atypical (unusual) moles are more likely to develop new and changing lesions.

It is important to know the special characteristics of moles that have a higher tendency to become malignant melanomas. The 19 pictures shown in the section "What to watch for" show the ABCD's of changes seen in confirmed malignant melanomas. Each example shows some of the features that can be seen in abnormal or changing moles.

If you have any moles that you are concerned about please see your physician.

Mole Melanoma is hosted by DermWeb at the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science at the University of British Columbia as an informational resource for patients and physicians. It is not intended to be a substitute for evaluation of suspicious skin lesions by a medical professional.