Which characteristic is NOT part of the ABCDEs of melanoma?

The characteristic that is not part of the ABCDEs of melanoma is even borders. The ABCDE assessment system is designed to help individuals recognize potential signs of melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. Each letter corresponds to a specific aspect of moles or skin lesions to evaluate for changes that may indicate melanoma.

• Asymmetry refers to the shape of the mole; if one half is different from the other, it can be a warning sign.

• Color variation indicates that the mole may have different shades of brown, black, or even other colors, which can suggest a higher risk of melanoma.

• Diameter greater than 6mm signifies that moles larger than this measurement should be assessed for possible malignancy, as melanoma often exceeds this size.

In contrast, even borders suggest that the edges of the mole are smooth and regular, which is generally a characteristic of benign lesions rather than melanoma. Melanomas tend to have irregular, notched, or blurred edges, making even borders not a relevant factor in the ABCDE criteria for assessing melanoma risk.