What skin lesion has irregular borders and multiple colors, indicating possible melanoma?

• A. Basal cell carcinoma
• B. Melanoma
• C. Squamous cell carcinoma
• D. Dermatitis

Answer: (B)

Varied color with irregular borders is a strong red flag for melanoma because melanocytes can grow in a haphazard, pigmented pattern, creating a lesion that looks uneven in color and has a jagged edge as it invades surrounding skin. This combination is part of how clinicians screen for melanoma, often summarized by the ABCDE approach (asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter, evolution). The presence of multiple colors and irregular edges reflects uneven pigment production and irregular growth, which are hallmarks of melanoma and warrant prompt evaluation.

Basal cell carcinoma typically shows a pearly or translucent area with telangiectasias and a more uniform color, and squamous cell carcinoma often presents as a scaly, crusted patch or a firm red nodule with more uniform coloration. Dermatitis is inflammatory, producing redness and itching with diffuse color changes rather than a patch with uneven coloration and a jagged border.