Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and is caused by ultraviolet light—this can come from the sun or tanning beds. It’s important to catch melanoma early on as it can spread to other areas of the body and will need to be treated with medications and therapies such as Braftovi, Opdivo, Yervoy, and adjuvant therapy. Melanoma can be avoided by taking proper precautions when in the sun, by using sunscreen and reapplying often or as needed. Here are early signs of melanoma you should watch out for:

1. Mole with uneven shape or edge
Normal moles are round and smooth-edged. If you notice a mole with a different shape on each half or with uneven edges, it could be melanoma. Visit your doctor or dermatologist to have any mole of concern checked and have it taken care of right away.

2. Large moles
Normal moles are typically quite small. If you notice a larger mole, 6mm wide or more, you should see your doctor or dermatologist to have it checked for melanoma. That way, if it is skin cancer, you can have it taken care of right away.

3. Moles with mixed color
Normal moles are one consistent color. If your mole is a mix of 2 or more colors, it is likely to be melanoma. Visit your doctor or dermatologist to have any mole of concern checked and have it taken care of right away.

4. Inflamed or bleeding mole
Moles can catch on jewelry and bleed or feel itchy and start to bleed as a result of scratching too hard, but if your mole starts bleeding or is inflamed for no apparent reason, it can raise concern. If this is the case, you should see your doctor or dermatologist right away as it can be an indication of melanoma.

5. Moles that change
Normal moles typically stay the same over time, so if you notice a mole that has changed in any aspect, whether that be size, shape, color, or the mole becomes inflamed, itchy, bleeding, or crusty, it could be a sign of melanoma. Visit your doctor or dermatologist to have your changing mole looked at and taken care of as soon as possible if it’s melanoma.

A valuable acronym to remember is the ABCDE’s of melanoma—standing for asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolution. These 5 words demonstrate what you should look for in moles or other abnormalities in your skin. Be sure to wear your sunscreen and avoid direct UV rays to decrease your risk of melanoma—all it takes is one bad burn to significantly increase your chances of developing this skin cancer.