In Slovenia, there is also an alarming increase in the number of patients with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer having a distinctly low chance of being successfully treated once melanoma has developed. Malignant melanoma occasionally develops from a pigmented mole, but most often it is a newly formed pigmented lesion that resembles a pigmented mole in its initial stage. Regular self-examination of pigmented skin moles (once a month) or an appointment at a dermatologist’s are successful preventive measures for the early detection of malignant melanoma. The ABCDE method reminds us which changes in pigmented moles we need to look out for.

We can examine the skin using a mirror and following the criteria of the ABCDE method.

Examine your face carefully, not forgetting your ears, using a mirror. Also, look carefully at the scalp.

Examine the palms of the hands and the inside of the forearms and upper arms. Use a mirror to examine the elbows and armpits.

Examine the neck, abdomen (including skin folds on the abdomen) and breasts (women should look closely under the breasts).

Examine the nape of the neck, shoulders and back in front of a mirror with the help of a second, hand-held mirror.

Do not forget the back of the thighs, buttocks and the area behind the ears. In a sitting position, examine the skin of the shins, inner thighs, ankles, instep, soles and toes. Do not forget the nails and genital area, using a mirror.