A client asks a nurse to look at a raised lesion on the skin that has been present for about 5 years. Which is an "ABCD" characteristic of malignant melanoma?

A) Asymmetrical shape: One of the key "ABCD" characteristics of malignant melanoma is asymmetry. Melanomas often have an irregular shape where one half does not match the other, unlike benign moles, which are typically symmetrical. This characteristic helps in distinguishing malignant lesions from benign ones. B) Diameter less than 6mm: Malignant melanomas are often larger than 6 mm in diameter, especially as they progress. While smaller lesions can still be malignant, a diameter less than 6 mm is not a distinguishing feature for melanoma. Typically, melanomas are identified as growing larger over time. C) Color is uniform: Malignant melanomas usually exhibit multiple colors or uneven pigmentation rather than uniform color. Uniform color is more characteristic of benign moles. Melanomas can show a mix of colors, including shades of brown, black, and sometimes red or white. D) Borders well demarcated: Malignant melanoma often has irregular, not well-defined borders. The edges of a melanoma are usually uneven or not clearly defined, unlike benign moles, which typically have smooth, well-demarcated borders.