What lesion characteristic is indicative of melanoma?

The characteristic that is indicative of melanoma is a dark raised and asymmetric lesion with irregular borders. Melanomas often exhibit these features due to their malignant nature and abnormal growth patterns. The presence of asymmetry means that one half of the lesion does not match the other, which is a key warning sign of potential melanoma. Additionally, irregular borders can appear scalloped or notched, further differentiating them from benign moles, which typically have smooth, even borders.

Melanomas are also typically darker in color, which reflects the increased melanin production in an active malignancy. These characteristics combined make this type of lesion particularly concerning, prompting further investigation or biopsy to determine whether the lesion is cancerous. The other options present simpler, more benign features commonly associated with non-cancerous skin lesions or moles, which do not convey the same level of risk as those described in the correct answer.