In a skin assessment for a patient concerned about skin cancer, which finding indicates a potential malignancy?

A mole with an asymmetrical appearance is a significant indicator of potential malignancy in skin assessments. Asymmetry refers to the unevenness of one side of a mole compared to the other. In the context of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, the ABCDE rule is often applied to evaluate moles and other skin lesions for signs of malignancy. The "A" in the ABCDE rule stands for asymmetry; if one half of the mole does not match the other half, it raises concern for possible cancer.

Other factors used to assess moles include border irregularity, color variation, diameter, and changes in elevation or texture. A symmetrical mole or a uniformly colored mole typically suggests a lower risk for malignancy, as these characteristics are often seen in benign lesions. A flat, discolored area can also vary in significance depending on other features, but it does not directly indicate malignancy without additional contextual clues. Thus, asymmetry is a crucial and specific finding that warrants further evaluation for potential skin cancer.