What skin cancer looks like depends on the type, but the most common forms show up as new growths or changes to existing moles

The three most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers grow slowly and rarely spread, while melanoma is more aggressive and more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. Each type has a distinct appearance, though they can overlap.

Learning what to look for matters because skin cancer caught early is far more treatable. The key is noticing something new or something that has changed on your skin over weeks or months—not something that has always been there.

Key Takeaways

  • Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a shiny bump or a sore that does not heal, usually on the face, ears, or neck.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma typically looks like a scaly, rough patch or a raised bump, often in sun-exposed areas.
  • Melanoma can appear as a new mole or a change to an existing one, and the ABCDE rule helps you spot the warning signs: asymmetry, irregular border, multiple colors, diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and evolving (changing) over time.
  • Any new growth, changing mole, or sore that does not heal within a few weeks should be examined by a dermatologist or your primary care doctor.
  • Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, not just in areas that get direct sun, so check your entire skin regularly.

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—but can show up anywhere. The growth is often shiny or waxy and may have a rolled edge with a depression or ulcer in the center. Some look like a small, flesh-colored or pink bump. Others resemble a scar or a sore that bleeds, crusts over, and never fully heals.

A key feature is that basal cell carcinoma grows very slowly. You might notice the same spot for months or even years before it becomes obvious. Because it rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it is highly treatable when caught, but it can still damage surrounding skin and tissue if left untreated.

Squamous cell carcinoma: scaly patches and rough bumps

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer, accounting for roughly 20 percent of cases. It typically appears as a scaly, crusty, or rough patch of skin, often red or pink. Some look like a raised bump or nodule. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell lesions may feel tender or bleed when scratched.

These growths usually develop on sun-exposed areas—the face, ears, lips, hands, and forearms—but can also appear on scars, burns, or areas of chronic irritation. Squamous cell carcinoma grows faster than basal cell and is more likely to spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body if not treated, though this is still relatively uncommon when caught early.

Melanoma: using the ABCDE rule

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it spreads more readily than basal or squamous cell types. It can develop from a new mole or from a change to an existing one. The ABCDE rule is the standard way to spot warning signs:

  • Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
  • Border: The edge is irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined rather than smooth and even.
  • Color: The mole contains multiple colors—brown, black, tan, red, or even white—rather than a single uniform shade.
  • Diameter: The mole is larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters), though melanoma can be smaller.
  • Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color over weeks or months.

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, including areas that rarely see sun. It can also develop under the nails, on the palms or soles of the feet, or even in the eyes. Any mole that meets one or more of the ABCDE criteria should be examined by a dermatologist.

Other warning signs across all skin cancer types

Beyond the specific features of each type, watch for any sore or growth that does not heal within three weeks. A sore that bleeds repeatedly, itches, or becomes painful can be a sign of skin cancer. Redness or swelling around a mole or growth, or a mole that begins to ooze or bleed without injury, also warrants a doctor's visit.

Skin cancer can develop on any part of your body, including areas that do not get direct sun—between the toes, on the genitals, under the nails, or on the scalp under hair. This is why a full-body skin check, ideally once a year or more often if you have risk factors, is important.

When to see a doctor about a skin change

You do not need to wait for a mole to meet all five ABCDE criteria before seeing a doctor. If you notice any new growth, any change to an existing mole, or any sore that does not heal, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or your primary care doctor. They can examine the spot in person and determine whether a biopsy is needed.

A biopsy is the only way to confirm whether a growth is cancer. During a biopsy, the doctor removes a small sample of skin and sends it to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. This is a quick, low-risk procedure done in an office setting with local anesthesia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can skin cancer itch or hurt?

Yes. While many skin cancers do not cause symptoms, some itch, bleed, or become tender. Itching or pain does not mean a spot is definitely cancer, but it is a reason to have it checked. Do not assume a painless mole is safe—many melanomas do not hurt.

What if I have a lot of moles?

People with many moles have a higher risk of melanoma. Take photos of your moles and check them monthly for changes. A dermatologist can map your moles and monitor them over time, which is especially helpful if you have more than 50 or if any are atypical in appearance.

Can skin cancer run in families?

Yes. If a close relative had melanoma or other skin cancer, your risk is higher. This does not mean you will develop it, but it means you should check your skin more often and see a dermatologist annually rather than waiting for a visible change.

Is a changing mole always cancer?

No. Moles can change slightly over time as part of normal aging. However, rapid changes—especially in color, size, or shape over weeks or months—should be evaluated by a doctor. When in doubt, have it checked rather than waiting to see if it changes further.

What should I do if I find a spot that worries me?

Write down when you first noticed it and take a photo. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or your primary care doctor within a few weeks. Bring the photo so the doctor can see how long the change has been happening. Early evaluation gives you the best outcome.