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Moles Versus Melanoma Skin Cancer: Learn to Tell the Difference with Pictures

From Timothy DiChiara, Ph.D., for About.com

Updated: April 06, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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Pictures of Moles and Melanoma Skin Cancer - Example of a Normal Mole

Picture of a normal mole

Photograph of a normal mole

Photo © National Cancer Institute

More examples of ordinary moles: (a) a uniformly tan or brown skin discoloration, 1 to 2 mm in diameter, (b) a larger skin discoloration, (c) a mole that is slightly raised above the surface of the skin, (d) a mole that is more clearly raised above the skin, and (e) a pink or flesh-colored mole. All of these are normal and even a single mole may go through these stages over time. However, all of them have a smooth border and are clearly separated from the surrounding skin, which a melanoma tumor isn't.

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