Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. The most important warning sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin growth, such as a birthmark.

• Color variation is one thing to watch for. Call your doctor if you notice that:
  • The color of a mole or other skin growth is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black may be present. Dashes of red, white, and blue may add to the mottled appearance.
  • Color has spread from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin.