The signs of early skin cancer are usually visible changes to your skin
Early skin cancer often appears as a new spot, a change to an existing mole or freckle, or a patch of skin that looks different from the rest. The changes are usually on skin that gets sun exposure—your face, ears, neck, hands, arms, or legs—though skin cancer can develop anywhere on your body. Most early skin cancers are slow-growing and treatable when caught, which is why knowing what to look for matters.
The three most common types of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—look different from each other. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are usually easier to treat and less likely to spread. Melanoma is less common but more serious, and it can spread to other parts of your body if not caught early. Learning to spot the difference helps you know when to see a dermatologist.
Key Takeaways
- Basal cell carcinoma often looks like a shiny bump, a sore that doesn't heal, or a waxy patch, usually on the face, ears, or neck.
- Squamous cell carcinoma typically appears as a scaly, crusty, or raised bump, often on sun-exposed skin like the face, ears, or hands.
- Melanoma can look like a new mole or a change to an existing one, and the ABCDE rule—asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter over a quarter-inch, and evolving appearance—helps you spot it.
- Any skin spot that is new, growing, bleeding, itching, or changing in appearance should be checked by a dermatologist within a few weeks.
Basal cell carcinoma: the most common type
Basal cell carcinoma accounts for about 80 percent of all skin cancers. It usually appears on the face, ears, scalp, or neck—areas that get regular sun exposure. The spot may look like a shiny, waxy bump, sometimes with a depression or indent in the center. It can also look like a sore that bleeds, crusts over, and then bleeds again without ever fully healing.
Some basal cell cancers look like a flat, scaly patch that is slightly raised and may be pink, red, or skin-colored. The edges are often well-defined but can be hard to see at first. Because basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of your body, it is highly treatable when caught early. If you notice a bump or sore on your face or ears that has been there for more than a few weeks, a dermatologist can examine it.
Squamous cell carcinoma: scaly and crusty spots
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer and also develops on sun-exposed skin. It typically looks like a rough, scaly bump or a crusty, raised patch. The spot may be red, pink, or skin-colored, and it often feels rough or tender to the touch. Some squamous cell cancers look like a wart or a horn-like growth.
Unlike basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell cancer can spread to lymph nodes or other parts of your body if left untreated, though this is still uncommon when caught early. The spot may bleed, itch, or feel sore. If you have a scaly or crusty bump on your face, ears, hands, or other sun-exposed areas that has been growing or changing over weeks, see a dermatologist.
Melanoma: the ABCDE rule
Melanoma is less common than basal cell or squamous cell cancer but more serious because it spreads faster. It often starts as a new mole or as a change to a mole you have had for years. The ABCDE rule is a simple way to remember what to look for: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter, and Evolving appearance.
Asymmetry means one half of the mole does not match the other half. Border irregularity means the edges are jagged, notched, or blurry instead of smooth and even. Color variation means the mole has more than one color—brown, black, tan, red, or even white or blue. DiameterEvolving means the mole is changing in size, shape, or color over weeks or months.
Melanoma can also appear as a flat, dark spot with irregular edges, or as a bump that is darker than surrounding skin. Some melanomas are skin-colored or pink. The key is change: if a mole or spot is new or changing, have it checked by a dermatologist.
Other warning signs to watch for
Beyond the appearance of the spot itself, certain behaviors signal that a skin change needs attention. A spot that bleeds, oozes, or itches without an obvious cause should be examined. A sore that does not heal after several weeks, even if it scabs over and seems to improve, can be a sign of skin cancer. A spot that is tender, painful, or sensitive to touch also warrants a visit to a dermatologist.
Changes in existing moles are just as important as new spots. If a mole you have had for years suddenly grows, changes color, develops an irregular border, or starts to bleed or itch, that is a reason to see a doctor. Skin cancer does not always look dramatic—sometimes the change is subtle—but any change that concerns you is worth having checked.
Where skin cancer most often appears
Skin cancer develops most often on skin that gets regular sun exposure, but the exact location varies by type. Basal cell carcinoma favors the face, ears, and neck. Squamous cell carcinoma also appears on the face, ears, hands, and forearms. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, including areas that do not get much sun, such as the soles of your feet, the palms of your hands, or under your nails.
This is why it is important to check your entire body, not just your face and arms. Use a mirror to look at the back of your neck, your scalp (part your hair to see the skin), your back, and behind your ears. Ask a partner or family member to help you check areas you cannot see easily. If you have many moles or a family history of skin cancer, monthly self-checks are a good habit.
When to see a dermatologist
You do not need to wait for a spot to look exactly like the descriptions above. If you notice any new spot, any change to an existing mole, or any skin growth that concerns you, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. Most skin cancers are caught during routine checks, and early detection makes treatment simpler and more effective.
A dermatologist can examine a spot in person, sometimes with a magnifying tool, and determine whether a biopsy (a small tissue sample) is needed. If skin cancer is found, treatment options depend on the type, size, and location of the cancer, but early-stage skin cancers are almost always treatable. Do not wait for a spot to grow or change dramatically—the sooner you have it checked, the better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can skin cancer itch or hurt?
Yes. Itching, tenderness, or pain can be a sign of skin cancer, though not all itchy or sore spots are cancer. If a mole or spot itches, bleeds, or feels sore without an obvious reason like a scratch or irritation, have it checked by a dermatologist.
What if I have a lot of moles—how do I know which ones to worry about?
Focus on change rather than the total number of moles. Any mole that is new, growing, changing color, developing an irregular border, or larger than a quarter-inch should be examined. A dermatologist can photograph your moles and track changes over time, which is especially useful if you have many.
Is a spot on my foot or under my nail really skin cancer?
Skin cancer can develop anywhere on your body, including areas that rarely see sun. A dark spot under a nail, a sore on the sole of your foot, or a growth on your palm should be checked by a dermatologist, even though these locations are less common sites for skin cancer.
How fast does skin cancer grow?
Basal cell and squamous cell cancers usually grow slowly over months or years. Melanoma can grow faster, sometimes over weeks or months. Any spot that is visibly growing or changing should be examined promptly, but you do not need to panic—scheduling an appointment within a few weeks is appropriate for most changes.
Can I diagnose skin cancer myself by looking at it?
No. While the ABCDE rule and other warning signs help you know when to see a doctor, only a dermatologist can diagnose skin cancer by examining the spot and, if needed, taking a biopsy. Self-checks are about spotting changes and knowing when to seek professional evaluation, not about making a diagnosis.