Melanoma vs Blue Nevus

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Melanoma
Blue Nevus
Category
Malignant
Benign
Key feature
The most dangerous skin cancer - but 99% survival when caught early. Learn the ABCDE signs.
A blue or blue-black mole caused by deep pigment cells. Stable and benign - but can mimic melanoma.
Risk factors
Fair skin, light eyes, red or blond hair (Fitzpatrick types I-II); History of blistering sunburns, especially before age 18; More than 50 ordinary moles on the body
No specific risk factors - can occur in anyone; More common in women
Action needed
A new mole or spot that looks different from your other moles (the ugly duckling sign)
A new blue or blue-black spot, especially if growing

Melanoma

Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and give your skin its color. While it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it causes most of skin cancer deaths. The good news: when detected at stage I, the five-year survival rate exceeds 99%.

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Blue Nevus

A blue nevus is a benign melanocytic mole that appears distinctly blue, blue-gray, or blue-black because the melanocytes are located deep within the dermis. The blue color is an optical effect called the Tyndall effect - the same phenomenon that makes veins appear blue through skin.

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Does yours look more like melanoma?

Quick self-check

Does this look like melanoma? Answer 2 questions.

Has this spot changed in size, shape, or color recently?

Does it have multiple colors or irregular, blurred edges?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →