Melanoma vs Common Nevus

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

Feature
Melanoma
Common Nevus
Category
Malignant
Benign
Key feature
The most dangerous skin cancer - but 99% survival when caught early. Learn the ABCDE signs.
Normal moles - clusters of pigment cells. Usually harmless, but monthly monitoring for changes is essential.
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
Genetic predisposition (number of moles is largely hereditary); Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence; Fair skin
Action needed
A new mole or spot that looks different from your other moles (the ugly duckling sign)
Any mole that changes in size, shape, or color

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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Common Nevus

A common nevus is a normal mole - a well-defined growth formed by a cluster of melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). Most adults develop between 10 and 40 common moles by their 30s, and the number gradually decreases with age as some moles naturally fade.

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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 →