What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
Skin cancer can appear in various forms depending on its type. Here's how to recognize early signs and when to seek medical help.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Shiny, pearly bump, sometimes with small surface blood vessels or a central ulcer.
- May appear as a flat, smooth, scar-like patch or a reddish-brown raised area.
- Common on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and neck.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Red, scaly or crusty patch, or a firm bump with a central crater.
- May bleed or turn into a non-healing sore.
- Often seen on the face, lips, ears, and hands.
Melanoma
Use the ABCDE rule to identify warning signs:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other.
- Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
- Color: Varies from one area to another (brown, black, tan, red, etc.).
- Diameter: Usually greater than 6 mm (pencil eraser size).
- Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color over time.
Melanoma can appear anywhere, including less sun-exposed areas like soles or under nails.
Other Lesions & Precancerous Conditions
- Actinic Keratosis: Rough, scaly pink or brown patches—precancerous.
- Bowen’s Disease: A red, scaly, slow-growing patch—early form of SCC.
When to See a Doctor
- New, changing, itching, or bleeding moles or bumps.
- Non-healing sores.
- "Ugly duckling" lesions—those that look different from others.
Regular monthly self-checks and yearly professional skin exams are essential.
Why It Matters
- Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are common and usually curable when caught early.
- Melanoma is less common but more aggressive and potentially fatal if untreated.
- Early detection improves survival—early melanoma has a 99% 5-year survival rate.
Quick Reference Table
| What to Watch For | Description |
|---|---|
| New bump or mole | Especially if shiny, scaly, or doesn’t heal |
| Changes in existing marks | Use the ABCDE rule |
| Non-healing sores | Often found on sun-exposed skin |
| Rough, scaly patches | Could be actinic keratosis |
Conclusion: Any suspicious skin lesion should be examined by a dermatologist. Early detection saves lives.