In conducting a skin assessment, which finding suggests a potential skin malignancy?

The finding that suggests a potential skin malignancy is a mole with an asymmetrical appearance. Asymmetry in a mole is one of the key characteristics that can indicate the possibility of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Normal moles are more likely to be symmetrical, meaning that if you were to draw a line through the middle, both halves would appear similar. In contrast, asymmetrical moles may have irregular shapes, which can be a warning sign that they could be cancerous.

In addition to asymmetry, other features such as irregular borders, multiple colors, or larger size can also indicate malignancy. While other options—like uniform pigmentation, new petechiae, and the presence of a papule—can have their clinical significance, they are not strong indicators of malignancy in the way that asymmetrical appearances are. Uniform pigmentation suggests a benign mole, petechiae are usually associated with other health issues, and a papule can vary widely in significance depending on its characteristics and context. Thus, the asymmetrical appearance of a mole is a significant red flag in skin assessments related to potential malignancies.