Skin cancer is related to the abnormal growth of cells in the skin, usually as a result of long exposures to the sun, even when there are affected areas that have not been exposed to the sun.
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinomas usually occur in sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the neck or face.
Some signs of their presence are:
- A waxy or pearly bump
- A flat, brown scar-like or skin-colored lesion
- A crusted or bleeding sore that heals and returns
Signs and symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma
In most cases, squamous cell carcinoma occurs in sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, ears, and hands. People with darker skin are more likely to develop it in areas that are not usually exposed to the sun.
Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as:
- A firm, red nodule
- A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
Signs and symptoms of melanoma
Melanoma can form anywhere on the body, on normal skin or on an existing mole that becomes cancerous. Melanoma most often appears on the face or trunk of affected men. In women, this type of cancer most often develops on the lower legs.
Signs include the following:
- A large, brownish area with darker speckles.
- A mole that changes color, size or feel, or bleeds
- A small lesion with an irregular border and parts that appear red, pink, white, blue, or dark blue in color
- A painful lesion that itches or burns
- Dark lesions on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, fingertips or toes, or on the mucosal lining of the mouth, nose, vagina, or anus.
When to see a doctor
Schedule an appointment with your health care provider if you notice skin changes that concern you. Not all skin changes are caused by skin cancer. Your doctor will investigate your skin changes to determine the cause.
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