Free Melanoma Checker — Is That Mole Melanoma? AI ABCDE Analysis
Free melanoma checker — no app, no signup. Upload a mole photo for AI ABCDE screening in your browser, then learn the ABCDE rule and ugly-duckling sign and know your next steps.
Important: Screening tool only, not a diagnosis.
Written by: ScanSkinAI Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Celina Kazumi Iwasa, MD — GMC-Registered Dermatologist
Last medically reviewed: June 2026 · Last updated: June 2026
Evidence standard: NHS · NICE · Cancer Research UK · British Association of Dermatologists · peer-reviewed dermatology literature.
Quick answer: Is that mole melanoma?
Most moles are harmless. Dermatologists use the ABCDE method — Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter and Evolution — and the 'ugly duckling' sign to flag moles worth a closer look. The ScanSkinAI melanoma checker offers AI-supported screening based on a single photo: it does not diagnose skin cancer. Photograph any mole you are unsure about, repeat monthly, and book a GP or dermatologist if a mole is changing, bleeding, itchy, larger than about 6 mm, or looks different from your others. Seek urgent care for a rapidly growing or ulcerating lesion.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer, developing from melanocytes. Unlike other skin cancers, it can spread rapidly.
Early detection dramatically improves outcomes. Cancer Research UK reports that almost all people diagnosed with Stage 0 melanoma survive their cancer for 5 years or more, with survival falling sharply at later stages.
Survival statistics: Cancer Research UK — Melanoma survival statistics (accessed June 2026).
Who is at Higher Risk?
ABCDE Warning Signs
"E" for Evolving is the most important—any change is a red flag.
Asymmetry
One half doesn't match the other. Benign moles are typically symmetrical.
Border
Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges. Melanoma borders may fade into surrounding skin.
Color
Multiple colors: brown, black, red, white, blue, or pink. Uniform color is reassuring.
Diameter
Larger than 6mm, but melanomas can be smaller—don't dismiss small spots.
Evolving
The most important sign. Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms.
The "Ugly Duckling" Sign
The mole that looks different from all your others. It helps catch melanomas that don't meet classic ABCDE criteria.
Common Myths
"Always dark"
Amelanotic melanomas are pink or skin-colored.
"Always large"
Melanomas can be 2-3mm.
"Always raised"
Many start flat.
Melanoma Lookalikes
When checking moles for melanoma, remember that many benign lesions can mimic it — when in doubt, see a dermatologist.
Benign Mole
Appearance:
Uniform color, round, well-defined, <6mm
When to Worry:
If it starts changing in size, color, or shape
Dysplastic Mole
Appearance:
Larger, irregular shape, uneven color, but stable
When to Worry:
Multiple dysplastic moles increase melanoma risk
Seborrheic Keratosis
Appearance:
Waxy, 'stuck-on', tan to dark brown, common after 40
When to Worry:
If unsure whether it's melanoma, get it checked
Dermatofibroma
Appearance:
Firm bump, brownish, dimples when pinched
When to Worry:
If it changes rapidly or bleeds
Cherry Angioma
Appearance:
Small, bright red, dome-shaped spots
When to Worry:
Rarely concerning; dark lesions mimicking this should be checked
Lentigo / Sun Spots
Appearance:
Flat, tan/brown on sun-exposed areas
When to Worry:
If borders become irregular or color uneven
Warts / Skin Tags
Appearance:
Rough texture; skin tags hang on a stalk
When to Worry:
Pigmented warts or rapid changes warrant evaluation
When to seek medical help
Use the guidance below alongside — never instead of — your own judgement. AI screening cannot replace a clinical examination, dermoscopy or biopsy.
Arrange a routine assessment
- A new mole appearing after age 40
- A mole that looks distinctly different from your others (ugly duckling)
- You have a personal or family history of melanoma
Seek prompt advice (within ~2 weeks)
- Change in size, shape or colour over weeks/months
- Persistent itch, crust or new bleeding from a mole
- A pigmented streak under a fingernail or toenail
See NICE NG12 on suspected-cancer referral pathways.
Seek urgent help
- A rapidly growing pigmented or pink lesion
- An ulcerating, non-healing lesion
- New swollen lymph nodes near a suspicious mole
Seek medical advice even when an AI screening result appears low risk, if a lesion is changing, bleeding, painful or personally concerning. A low-risk result does not guarantee a mole is harmless.
Photo & Tracking Guide
Bright natural daylight
Avoid flash—diffused light reduces shadows
Eliminate shadows
Position light to avoid shadows on lesion
Lock focus on the mole
Tap to focus; blurry images reduce accuracy
Close-up + mid-distance
One showing the mole, another showing location
Include ruler/coin for scale
Helps assess size and track changes
No filters, clean lens
Use unedited photo; wipe lens first
Tracking Over Time
How Our Melanoma Checker Works
A free melanoma check you can run in your browser — this online melanoma check screens a single photo against ABCDE criteria and is not a diagnosis.
What It Does
- Screens for ABCDE melanoma criteria
- Analyzes pattern and color
- Outputs risk level
- Provides next steps
- Helps track lesions
What It Cannot Do
- Cannot diagnose melanoma
- Cannot replace dermoscopy/biopsy
- May miss some melanomas
- Less validated for dark skin
- Cannot assess under nails reliably
Melanoma Stages & Survival
Stage 0
Melanoma in situ
Stage I
Thin, localized
Stage II
Thicker, may ulcerate
Stage III
Spread to lymph nodes
Stage IV
Distant metastasis
Evidence & Limitations
Methodology
- Trained on HAM10000, DermNet, ISIC
- Sensitivity/specificity evaluated
- Designed for screening, not diagnosis
- Continuously updated
Limitations
- Poor lighting or blur can reduce AI performance
- Very small lesions are harder to assess
- Tattoos can affect analysis
- Less validated for dark skin tones
- Cannot assess under nails reliably
- Results depend on photo quality
AI may miss conditions; seek medical advice if concerned.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This is a screening tool that assesses visual features consistent with melanoma warning signs. It is not a medical diagnosis. Only a dermatologist can diagnose melanoma through dermoscopy and biopsy.
Our AI is trained on dermatologist-validated datasets including HAM10000 and DermNet. In our internal evaluation, the model showed high clinical concordance with dermatologist labels — this is an agreement metric, not the same as clinical accuracy or a confirmed diagnosis. Always seek professional evaluation for concerning moles.
Yes. Melanomas can be as small as 2-3mm. This is why 'Evolving' is the most important warning sign. Don't dismiss a mole just because it's small.
Yes. Amelanotic melanomas lack pigment and appear pink, red, or skin-colored. They're less common (2-8%) but often diagnosed later.
Itching alone doesn't mean melanoma. However, persistent itching combined with visible changes in a mole is a red flag.
Bleeding or crusting without injury is concerning. A mole that bleeds spontaneously should be evaluated promptly.
Evolving refers to any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms. It's the most important warning sign.
The ugly duckling sign identifies a mole that looks noticeably different from your other moles. It helps catch melanomas that might not meet classic ABCDE criteria.
Normal moles are uniform in color, round, smaller than 6mm, and stable. Melanoma shows asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, and evolution.
Yes. Nodular melanoma often presents as a raised bump. Any new raised lesion that's dark or growing should be evaluated.
Yes. Superficial spreading melanoma, the most common type, often starts as a flat, irregularly shaped patch.
New moles in adulthood deserve attention. Adults over 30 rarely develop new benign moles, so monitor closely.
Yes. Subungual melanoma appears as a dark streak under the nail. Any persistent dark nail streak should be evaluated.
Pregnancy can cause mole changes, but classic ABCDE signs still warrant evaluation. Dermatologists can safely assess during pregnancy.
Having 50+ moles increases melanoma risk. Focus on the ugly duckling sign and get annual dermatologist checks.
Yes. AI works best on lighter skin tones. On darker skin, professional evaluation is especially important.
Use bright natural light, avoid shadows, focus on the mole, include a ruler for scale, no filters, clean lens.
Scalp, between toes, soles of feet, under nails, and back are difficult. Use a mirror or ask for help.
Schedule a dermatologist appointment within 1-2 weeks. Bring photos and screening results.
High concern: 1-2 weeks. Moderate with rapid changes: 2-4 weeks. Bleeding or rapid growth: as soon as possible.
Yes. Re-scan every 2-4 weeks to track changes. Keep same lighting and angle for comparison.
Melanoma in children is rare. Any concerning lesion should be evaluated by a pediatric dermatologist.
Melanoma arises from melanocytes and can spread quickly. BCC and SCC grow more slowly and rarely spread.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, see a dermatologist—professional evaluation is always appropriate.
Melanoma Guides
Explore expert-written guides to understand common symptoms, warning signs, and what to do next. These guides support your ScanSkinAI results and help you decide when to seek medical care.
ABCDE Rule
5 warning signs for melanoma
Ugly Duckling Sign
Finding the mole that stands out
Melanoma vs Mole
Key differences explained
Changing Mole Pictures
What visual changes mean
Melanoma Under Nails
The hidden danger to know
Pink Melanoma (Amelanotic)
Not all melanomas are dark
When to Worry About a Mole
Red flags you shouldn't ignore
New Mole as an Adult
When new moles need attention
Choose the Right Tool
This page focuses on melanoma. If your concern is different:
→ General Mole Check
"Is my mole normal?" Start here if you're not sure if something is concerning.
→ Non-Mole Lesions (BCC/SCC)
For sores that won't heal, crusty patches, pearly bumps—not pigmented moles.
→ Not Sure What It Is?
General AI analysis for 31+ conditions including rashes and infections.
→ Clinical Evidence
Research methodology and validation behind our AI screening.
Melanoma Guides
ABCDE Rule for Melanoma
The 5-letter framework dermatologists use to spot melanoma early.
The Ugly Duckling Sign
How to spot melanoma by finding the mole that doesn't fit.
Melanoma on Nails
Dark streaks under nails and other subungual melanoma signs.
Amelanotic Melanoma
The skin-colored melanoma that's easy to miss.
Medical sources and further reading
- NHS — Melanoma skin cancer (accessed June 2026)
- NICE NG12 — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (accessed June 2026)
- Cancer Research UK — Melanoma survival statistics (accessed June 2026)
- British Association of Dermatologists — Skin cancer patient information (accessed June 2026)
- American Academy of Dermatology — Melanoma overview (accessed June 2026)
- World Health Organization — UV radiation and skin cancer (accessed June 2026)
Medical Disclaimer
This AI melanoma checker is a screening tool only — not a diagnosis, and not a substitute for a physical examination, dermoscopy or biopsy by a qualified clinician. If you receive a high-concern result or are worried, consult a dermatologist promptly.
References: NHS • NICE NG12 • Cancer Research UK • BAD • AAD