The most common signs of skin cancer
Skin cancer usually shows up as a change on your skin — a new spot, a mole that looks different than before, or a patch that doesn't heal. The change might be a bump, a flat discolored area, or something that itches or bleeds. Not every skin change is cancer, but learning what to watch for means you can see a doctor early, when treatment works best.
The three main types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma — each tend to look slightly different. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers grow slowly and rarely spread beyond the skin. Melanoma is less common but more serious because it can spread to other parts of your body if not caught early.
Key Takeaways
- Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a shiny bump, a scar-like patch, or a spot that bleeds and doesn't heal.
- Squamous cell carcinoma usually looks like a scaly, crusty, or raised bump, often on sun-exposed skin.
- Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body and may be dark, multicolored, or have an irregular border — use the ABCDE rule to check moles.
- Any skin change that lasts more than a few weeks, bleeds, itches, or looks unusual should be checked by a doctor or dermatologist.
- Early detection makes a major difference in treatment options and outcomes.
Basal cell carcinoma: what to look for
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually appears on areas that get sun exposure — your face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, or back — but can show up anywhere.
The spot might look like a shiny, waxy bump that's skin-colored, tan, or slightly pink. Sometimes it has a depression or indent in the center. Other times it looks like a scar — flat, pale, and firm to the touch. You might also notice a spot that bleeds easily, crusts over, and then bleeds again without healing. Some basal cell cancers are slightly raised and scaly, or they may have a rolled edge with a sunken center.
Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and rarely spreads beyond the skin, but it can damage the tissue underneath if left untreated. That's why catching it early matters — treatment is usually straightforward when the cancer is small.
Squamous cell carcinoma: what to look for
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. Like basal cell cancer, it usually appears on sun-exposed areas: the face, ears, neck, hands, and forearms.
This cancer often looks like a scaly, crusty bump or patch that may be red, pink, or tan. The spot might feel rough or tender. Some squamous cell cancers look like a wart or a horn-like growth sticking up from the skin. Others appear as a flat, scaly patch that's slightly raised and doesn't go away. You might notice bleeding, oozing, or crusting that comes back after it heals.
Squamous cell carcinoma also grows slowly in most cases, but it spreads more often than basal cell cancer. Seeing a doctor as soon as you notice a spot that fits this description means treatment can start before the cancer has a chance to spread.
Melanoma: what to look for
Melanoma is less common than basal or squamous cell cancer, but it's more serious because it spreads faster. It can appear on any part of your body — not just sun-exposed skin — and can even start under a nail or in the eye.
Doctors use the ABCDE rule to help people spot melanoma:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
- Border: The edge is ragged, notched, or blurry instead of smooth and even.
- Color: The mole has more than one color — brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue all in the same spot.
- Diameter: The mole is larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters across), though melanoma can be smaller.
- Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or how it feels.
Melanoma can also appear as a new dark spot that looks different from your other moles, or as a spot that itches, bleeds, or oozes. Some melanomas are flat and others are raised. The key is any change — if a mole or spot on your skin is changing, that's a reason to see a doctor.
Other skin changes that need checking
Not every skin change is cancer, but several warning signs mean you should have a doctor look at it. A sore that doesn't heal after three weeks, even if it's small, should be checked. A spot that itches or hurts without an obvious reason is worth mentioning to your doctor. Bleeding or oozing from a mole or patch of skin that wasn't injured is another sign to watch for.
You should also pay attention to changes in existing moles. If a mole you've had for years suddenly gets darker, larger, or develops an irregular border, that change matters. Some people have many moles and it can be hard to track which ones are new or different — taking photos of your moles over time can help you spot changes.
Skin cancer can also appear as a patch of skin that looks like a scar but you don't remember injuring that area. These patches are often pale or slightly indented and may feel firm. Any patch of skin that looks abnormal or different from the rest of your skin is worth a doctor's visit.
When to see a doctor or dermatologist
If you notice any skin change that lasts more than a few weeks, doesn't look like anything else on your body, or fits any of the warning signs described above, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin). You don't need to wait or hope it goes away — early evaluation is always the safer choice.
Your doctor will look at the spot, ask how long it's been there and whether it's changing, and may take a small sample (called a biopsy) to check under a microscope. A biopsy is a simple procedure that takes just a few minutes and is the only way to know for certain whether a spot is cancer.
If you have a lot of moles, fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, or a history of sunburns, talk to your doctor about how often you should have your skin checked. Some people benefit from regular skin exams once or twice a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can skin cancer itch or hurt?
Yes. While many skin cancers don't cause pain or itching, some do. Itching, tenderness, or pain in a mole or skin spot is a reason to have it checked by a doctor. Don't assume a spot is harmless just because it doesn't hurt, and don't assume it's nothing serious just because it does.
What's the difference between a normal mole and melanoma?
Normal moles are usually smaller than a pencil eraser, have a smooth even border, are one solid color, and don't change over time. Melanoma often has an irregular border, multiple colors, is larger, or is changing. Use the ABCDE rule to compare any mole you're worried about to these guidelines, then see a doctor if it doesn't match the normal pattern.
Do I need to see a dermatologist or can my regular doctor check it?
Your primary care doctor can evaluate a skin spot and refer you to a dermatologist if needed. Many skin cancers are caught and treated by primary care doctors. A dermatologist has extra training in skin conditions and may be better equipped to spot subtle changes, especially if you have many moles or a personal or family history of skin cancer.
Is skin cancer always caused by sun exposure?
Most skin cancers are linked to sun exposure, but not all. Melanoma can appear on skin that's rarely in the sun, and some people develop skin cancer without significant sun exposure. Fair skin, family history, and certain genetic factors also play a role. This is why checking your skin regularly matters regardless of how much time you spend in the sun.
What happens if my doctor thinks it might be skin cancer?
Your doctor will likely take a small tissue sample (biopsy) to send to a lab for examination under a microscope. This is the only way to confirm whether it's cancer and what type. If it is cancer, your doctor will discuss treatment options, which usually include removing the spot and may include other treatments depending on the type and stage.