Melanoma skin cancer sign: Color variation

A mole of uniform color and a mole showing color variation

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. The most important warning sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin growth, such as a birthmark.

  • Color variation is one thing to watch for. Call your doctor if you notice that:
    • The color of a mole or other skin growth is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black may be present. Dashes of red, white, and blue may add to the mottled appearance.
    • Color has spread from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerAmy McMichael, MD - Dermatology

Current as ofMay 3, 2017

Current as of: May 3, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology