Fry

 
"The lesion [malignant melanoma] is usually but not always pigmented. If any of the following features are reported then malignant melanoma should be suspected:
 
(a) Increase in size of a pigmented lesion. There may also be satellite pigmented lesions.
(b) Alteration in pigmentation of the lesion. The skin surrounding the lesion may also show alteration of pigmentation, either increased, or decreased.
(c) Ulceration or bleeding of a pigmented or non-pigmented lesion."
 
Fry L. Dermatology, An Illustrated Guide. London: Update Publications Ltd., 1978:96–7.
 

Brief critique

 
The three criteria set forth by Fry are not helpful to a clinician who seeks to diagnose a curable lesion of melanoma. Increase in size and alteration of pigmentation are information derived either from history or examination of photographs taken serially, not by a single assessment morphologically by a clinician. By the time ulceration or bleeding has occurred, the melanoma usually has metastasized.