Which of the following is a characteristic of malignant melanoma?

Malignant melanoma is characterized by asymmetry in its appearance. This trait indicates that one half of the mole or lesion does not match the other half, which is a crucial warning sign in the assessment of skin lesions. Asymmetry, along with other characteristics, is essential for early detection of melanoma, as it suggests an abnormal growth pattern that is common in malignant melanomas, distinguishing them from benign moles, which are typically symmetrical.

In contrast, while raised and shiny lesions, crusted patches, and high ridge lesions can indicate other skin conditions or types of cancer, they are not definitive characteristics associated specifically with malignant melanoma. Those features can be found in various benign or malignant dermatological disorders and do not have the same significance in melanoma assessment as asymmetry does. Understanding the importance of asymmetry aids in the early identification and treatment of this potentially deadly form of skin cancer.