Final answer:
Dermatofibromas are benign, firm skin lesions with an irregular border and a variety of colors, whereas melanomas are large, uneven patches that can develop into skin cancer. Moles are benign melanocyte accumulations that should be monitored, and the ABCDE mnemonic aids in melanoma diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dermatofibromas are benign skin lesions that are commonly found on the lower legs and appear as firm small lesions with an irregular border. They often have a variety of colors, such as red, white, blue, blue-black, or brown sprinkled with darker specks. On the other hand, melanomas are a type of skin cancer that looks like large brown or black patches with uneven borders and a raised surface. Melanomas can also appear as dark lesions on the palms, soles, fingertips, toes, or mucous membranes. Moles, which are benign accumulations of melanocytes, can range in appearance but should be monitored for changes that might indicate cancer. Doctors use the ABCDE mnemonic to aid diagnosis of early-stage melanoma: Asymmetry, Borders - irregular, Color - varied shades, Diameter - larger than 6 mm, and Evolving - changing shape. Exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer by causing DNA damage, and freckles are an irregular accumulation of melanocytes in the skin.