Small, but irregular, black and brown pigment is a sign of a melanoma, a serious skin cancer. Any new pigmented, itching, bleeding, or changing moles should be checked by your doctor. This melanoma has a classic blue-black color. Black, multi-colored, asymmetric, or irregularly shaped lesions all need to be checked by a dermatologist or doctor skilled in looking at moles. This image displays a multi-colored (including black) lesion with an irregular shape and scalloped borders typical of melanoma. This image displays a brown, blue-gray, and pink lesion with an irregular border typical of early melanoma. This melanoma started as a flat, irregular dark spot but has developed a raised, crusted area. This image displays a melanoma with a white and pink center, a darker black-brown area, and pink and brown c-shaped tumor on the left side of the lesion. This image displays a round, bleeding melanoma that has a small "satellite" tumor underneath it. This image displays a melanoma with irregular borders surrounded by many other benign growths, which are much smaller and have regular, circular borders. This image displays a darkly pigmented lesion typical of melanoma. This image displays an almost black melanoma found in between the toes. This melanoma has multiple dark colors, an asymmetrical shape, and a very irregular border typical of melanoma. This image displays a lesion with an irregular edge and multiple colors--white, pink, pink-brown, and flecks of blue-black--typical of melanoma. When a melanoma involves the fingernail, the cuticle often has the discoloration as well as the nail plate.
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Melanoma  Information for adults

Picture of Melanoma: Small, but irregular, black and brown pigment is a sign of a melanoma, a serious skin cancer. Any new pigmented, itching, bleeding, or changing moles should be checked by your doctor. Divider line
Small, but irregular, black and brown pigment is a sign of a melanoma, a serious skin cancer. Any new pigmented, itching, bleeding, or changing moles should be checked by your doctor.
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References


American Cancer Society. Detailed Guide: Skin Cancer - Melanoma. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?rnav=cridg&dt=39. Accessed on January 31, 2009.

Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1789-1815. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed, pp.917. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Ragel EL, Bridgeford EP, Ollila DW. Cutaneous melanoma: update on prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2005;72(2):269-276. PMID: 16050450.

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MedlinePlus: Melanoma

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Last Modified: 12 Feb 2009
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