Which four characteristics of a nevus suggest the possibility of melanoma?

The characteristics that suggest the possibility of melanoma are indeed asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, and large diameter. This set of features is integral to the ABCDE model used for assessing moles and nevi.

Asymmetry refers to moles that do not match in shape or size when divided down the middle, which is often an indicator of malignancy. Border irregularity involves uneven, scalloped, or notched edges, distinguishing potentially cancerous moles from benign ones that typically have smooth, regular borders. Color variation signifies a mix of different shades, such as browns, blacks, reds, whites, or blues within the same mole, which can be a red flag for melanoma. Lastly, a large diameter—often cited as greater than 6 millimeters—is significant, as most melanomas tend to be larger than benign nevi.

In contrast, the other options include characteristics that are not typically associated with malignancy or do not illustrate the warning signs of melanoma accurately. The focus on symmetry, regular borders, uniform color, and small diameter in one of the alternatives actually describes characteristics of benign nevi rather than those concerning malignancy. Hence, choosing the specific features that characterize potential melanoma risk is essential for proper evaluation and