Chapter 5 - The Integumentary System - Review Questions - Critical Thinking and Clinical Application Questions - Page 171: 1

The ABCD rule, suggested by the American Cancer Society, is a method used to examine our skin for new moles or pigmented spots. ABCD stands for asymmetry, border irregularity, color, and diameter. The 40-year-old man should be concerned due to his darkly pigmented moles. The black color violates the ABCD rule, as the mole contains several colors. Another violation of the ABCD rule is its large-coin sized diameter. If moles are larger than a standard pencil eraser, it raises concern as a cancerous spot on the body.

The ABCD rule, suggested by the American Cancer Society, is a method used to examine our skin for new moles or pigmented spots. ABCD stands for asymmetry, border irregularity, color, and diameter. The 40-year-old man should be concerned due to his darkly pigmented moles. The black color violates the ABCD rule, as the mole contains several colors. Another violation of the ABCD rule is its large-coin sized diameter. If moles are larger than a standard pencil eraser, it raises concern as a cancerous spot on the body.