What does the "A" in the ABCDE rule for skin cancer stand for?

The "A" in the ABCDE rule for skin cancer stands for Asymmetry. This rule serves as a guideline for identifying potential melanomas by evaluating moles or skin lesions. Asymmetry refers to the shape of the mole; if one half of the mole does not match the other half in shape, it may be a warning sign for skin cancer. Healthy moles are typically symmetrical, meaning if you were to draw a line through the middle, both sides would look the same.

Recognizing asymmetry is vital because asymmetrical moles can indicate the presence of malignant changes, prompting an individual to seek further assessment from a healthcare provider. The ABCDE rule incorporates other criteria like Borders, Color, Diameter, and Evolving, but in this case, Asymmetry is the critical first indicator to assess.