- The pictures used in this tool were taken over more than a 35-year period. They show moles and melanomas from participants enrolled in the NCI Familial Melanoma Study.
- The pictures show examples of the variability in pigmented lesions in U.S. melanoma-prone families.
- Because most of the study participants are Caucasian, the nevi and melanomas shown are not representative of those found in individuals with darker skin.
- Melanomas and lesions suspicious for melanoma vary widely in appearance; these pictures should not be used to diagnose melanoma.
- NCI does not provide medical advice to users of its website.
- Consult with a qualified health care provider if you have concerns about your skin.
About the photos
- The photographs have variations in color due to differences in photography equipment, lighting, and skin color of the individual (e.g. sunburned or suntanned).
- Photographs are standardized to ease viewing.
- Rulers show size of the moles and melanomas in millimeters.