12 Signs of Skin Cancer

A new bump or patch of skin that’s pink, white, or skin-colored—especially on the face, ears, or neck—could be an early sign of basal cell carcinoma. These spots may look waxy, shiny, or scaly and might bleed, scab over, or itch. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It’s slow-growing and rarely spreads, but it can still cause permanent skin damage if left untreated. If you notice a persistent sore or unusual spot that doesn’t heal, it’s worth getting checked out by a dermatologist.

A persistent red sore, nodule, or scaly patch could be squamous cell carcinoma. The growths have a crusty exterior and often appear in areas that experience frequent sun exposure. Squamous cell carcinoma can develop on any area of the body, including the genitals, though the most likely places are a balding scalp or the neck, hands, arms, or face. They may also appear on the rim of the ear or the lower lip. Over the last three decades, the number of squamous cell carcinoma diagnoses has increased by more than 200%.

Asymetrical moles with irregular borders may be a symptom of melanoma. Though not the most common type of skin cancer, melanoma is the most serious. It not only affects the skin, but can also affect the eyes, the palms of the hands, and the fingernail beds. Women often develop melanomas on the lower legs, while men tend to see them on the chest, back, head, and neck. Moles that change in size, color, or shape can indicate skin cancer. A mole that bleeds, itches or changes in any way needs evaluation to rule out melanoma. A normal mole is about a ¼-inch in diameter, the size of a pea. Moles that grow larger warrant medical investigation. Doctors are seeing many more cases of this type of skin cancer in people under 40.

Moles are a concentration of melanocytes or pigment-producing cells on the skin. Most are benign, with colors ranging from dark brown to shades of pink. The average adult has between ten and 45 moles on their body, which usually develops before the age of 50. Those with more than 100 moles are at greater risk for melanoma. It is important not to ignore new moles that appear on adult skin because they are more likely to be cancerous. New growths or lesions on the skin may also be a sign of skin cancer. These types of growths could also be precancerous lesions that may become cancerous over time.

The most common sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin. New patches resembling a mole may not be a mole at all, but a melanoma. The edges of a problematic patch will likely be less defined and appear more ragged. The coloring may be uneven, usually in varying shades of brown, tan, white, black, or blue. Normal moles are mostly symmetrical, while skin cancer patches are asymmetrical. Always check existing moles regularly for changes and do monthly skin exams to look for new moles or skin lesions.

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a type of cancer that develops on the palms of the hands, nail beds, or soles of the feet. This melanoma is darker than the skin around it and starts out as a small spot that looks like a bruise or stain. It may be tan, gray, brown, or black. Occasionally, the spot may be red or orange, but the border around the spot is usually clearly defined. Researchers believe this type of melanoma skin cancer is genetic and not related to sun exposure. Acral lentiginous melanoma is more common in people of African and Asian descent. It often goes unnoticed and misdiagnosed, but ALM is more aggressive than other forms of melanoma, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential.

ALM can also develop as subungual melanomas under the fingernails or toenails. An early sign of this type of cancer is a dark stripe under the nail, usually the big toe or the thumb. As the streak grows, the nail may crack or break. Doctors may misdiagnose the condition as a fungal infection or a trauma injury, delaying accurate identification. Interestingly, the streaks that appear under the fingernail or toenail of people with darker skin are usually benign but should still be evaluated.

The vulva is part of female genitalia. It includes the opening of the vagina, the inner and outer lips, and the clitoris. Two types of melanomas can develop on the vulva: cutaneous, which is usually on the outer labia, and mucosal, which starts in the inner parts of the vulva and its lips, near the vaginal entrance. It also may develop on the clitoris. Vulva melanomas make up less than two percent of the total number of melanomas in women. They may appear as a lump, but many of them first appear in an existing mole. The melanoma may be a dark brown or black spot on the skin, but some are pink, red, or white. Some women also experience pain, itching, or discharge.

The eyelid is especially vulnerable to the harmful UV rays of the sun. Between five and ten percent of all skin cancers develop on the eyelids, with the majority occurring on the lower lid. Most are basal cell carcinomas, which are slow-growing. Squamous cell cancers, malignant melanomas, and sebaceous gland carcinomas can also appear on the eye area but are less common. Smooth, shiny bumps that are firm or red are a skin cancer symptom. Styes, nodules, swelling of the eyelid, or lesions that grow, bleed, or do not heal can also indicate the disease. In some cases, the eyelashes fall off.

Some forms of skin cancer are rare but no less detrimental. Purple or red patches on the skin or in the mucous membranes may be a symptom of Kaposi sarcoma, a type of cancer that develops from cells that line the blood or lymph vessels. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, are more susceptible to this type of cancer. Firm, shiny, flesh-colored or bluish-red nodules that appear in the hair follicles and below the surface of the skin on the neck, head, and body are symptoms of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Physicians diagnose about 2,000 cases each year, most of which are men over the age of 70.

One alarming sign of potential skin cancer is the appearance of an open sore that doesn't heal within a few weeks. This symptom, often overlooked, can indicate a more serious underlying condition. Ulcerations appear anywhere on the body but are most concerning when they develop in areas frequently exposed to the sun. These wounds may start as small, inconspicuous marks that gradually expand, becoming more pronounced over time. If you notice such a change, it's crucial to seek immediate medical advice. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improves outcomes, highlighting the importance of regular skin examinations and vigilance for new or changing skin lesions.

A family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma, is a significant risk factor that cannot be ignored. Individuals with relatives who have been diagnosed with skin cancer have an increased risk themselves, underscoring the need for regular skin checks. Even with diligent sun protection, these individuals should be particularly mindful of changes in their skin. Regular dermatological check-ups can aid in early detection, which is key to managing skin cancer effectively. If you have a family history of skin cancer, inform your healthcare provider, who can help you understand your risk and guide you on the best practices for skin health and cancer prevention.