What characteristic of melanoma lesions should a community health nurse teach clients?

Melanoma lesions are commonly recognized by their irregular borders, which can appear scalloped or uneven. This is an essential characteristic as it distinguishes melanoma from benign moles, which typically have smooth, regular edges. Education for clients should focus on the importance of recognizing these atypical features, as early detection of melanoma is crucial for successful treatment.

In contrast, regular borders, uniform color, and small size are typically characteristics associated with benign skin lesions. Regular borders are often seen in non-cancerous moles, uniform color indicates a lower risk for malignancy, and small size might not raise any concerns unless there are other worrisome signs. Therefore, emphasizing the irregular border of melanoma lesions helps clients understand what signs to look for when monitoring their skin health.