Skin Cancer Symptoms: Key Signs and What to Look For

A guide to understanding, treating, and preventing skin cancer.

Skin cancer can sneak up on people. That’s why it’s crucial to know the skin cancer symptoms to watch out for. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and early detection can make a huge difference in treatment outcomes. By learning to recognize the warning signs, we can take control of our skin health and potentially save lives.

In this article, we’ll explore the key skin cancer symptoms you need to know. We’ll cover different skin cancer types, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. I’ll also share tips on what to look for during a skin check, when to see a doctor, and the risk factors that might increase your chances of developing skin cancer. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to spot potential issues and take action to protect your skin.

Common Types of Skin Cancer

The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Each has its own distinct characteristics and warning signs. By familiarising ourselves with these skin cancer symptoms, we can catch them early and improve treatment outcomes.

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most prevalent form of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It develops in the basal cells, which are located in the lower part of the epidermis. BCC usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can cause significant damage to surrounding tissues.

Typical skin cancer symptoms of BCC include:

A shiny, skin-coloured or pink bump that’s translucent and may have visible blood vessels
A brown, black or blue lesion with a slightly raised, translucent border
A flat, scaly, reddish patch with a raised edge
A white, waxy, scar-like lesion without a clearly defined border

BCCs commonly develop on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. However, they can occur anywhere on the body. It’s crucial to have any suspicious spots checked by a dermatologist, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer, representing about 20% of cases. It arises from the squamous cells, which make up most of the skin’s upper layers. SCC can grow quickly and has a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body compared to BCC.

Warning signs of SCC include:

A firm, red nodule
A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
A new sore or raised area on an old scar or ulcer
A rough, scaly patch on the lip that may evolve into an open sore
A red, raised patch or wart-like sore on or in the anus or genitals

SCCs often develop on sun-exposed skin, such as the rim of the ear, lower lip, face, balding scalp, neck, hands, arms, and legs. It’s important to be vigilant about any non-healing sores or scaly patches, as they could be early signs of SCC.

3. Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It develops in the melanocytes, the cells that give our skin its colour. While melanoma is less common than BCC and SCC, it’s more likely to grow and spread to other parts of the body, making early detection and treatment critical.

Melanoma warning signs include:

A mole that changes in size, shape, or colour or a new mole with atypical features
An asymmetrical mole with an irregular border and multiple colours
A large brownish spot with darker speckles
A painful lesion that burns or itches
Dark lesions on the palms, soles, fingertips, toes, or mucous membranes or a nodule/lump that has developed and is growing quickly but may not have the typical dark brown/black features eg it is red or purple (a nodular melanoma)

Melanomas can develop anywhere on the body, even in areas that aren’t typically exposed to the sun. They may also appear different on various skin tones, so it’s crucial to know what’s normal for your skin and to report any changes to a dermatologist promptly.

Key Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

It’s crucial to know what to look for, so you can catch any potential issues early on. One helpful tool is the ABCDE rule, which outlines key warning signs of melanoma. Let’s dive into what each letter stands for and how you can use this guideline to check your skin.

The ABCDE Rule

The ABCDE rule is a simple way to remember the common characteristics of melanoma. Here’s what each letter represents:

Asymmetry: Look for moles or spots that are asymmetrical, meaning one half doesn’t match the other.
Border: Be wary of moles with irregular, ragged, or blurred borders.
Colour: Watch out for moles that have a variety of colours or an uneven distribution of colour.
Diameter: Pay attention to moles larger than 6mm in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolution: Keep an eye on any moles that are changing in size, shape, or colour over time.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have the mole checked by a dermatologist. They can determine if it’s a cause for concern and recommend the appropriate next steps, such as a skin biopsy or surgical excision.

It’s worth noting that not all melanomas fit the ABCDE criteria, and other types of skin cancer, like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, may have different warning signs. For example, melanomas that are nodular (a lump) typically don’t have dark pigmentation. They grow quickly and can just be red or purple in colour. That’s why it’s essential to be familiar with what’s normal for your skin and to report any changes to your doctor.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

In addition to the ABCDE rule, there are other skin cancer symptoms to be aware of. These include:

New moles or spots: Any new growths on your skin, especially after age 30, should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Non-healing sores: If you have a sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks, it could be a sign of skin cancer.
Itching, bleeding, or crusting: Moles that itch, bleed, or develop a crust or scab should be checked out.
Changes in sensation: If a mole or spot becomes painful, tender, or numb, it’s worth getting it looked at.

Remember, early detection is key when it comes to skin cancer treatment. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are non-melanoma cancers, have a high cure rate when caught and treated early. Melanoma can also be highly treatable when detected in its early stages.

As part of your regular skin care routine, we recommend performing a monthly self-exam to look for any new or changing moles or spots. If you have a history of skin cancer, a family history of melanoma, or a large number of moles, you may need to be screened more frequently by a dermatologist.

During your skin check, be sure to examine all areas of your body, including those that don’t see a lot of sun. Use a mirror to check hard-to-see places like your back, scalp, and the backs of your legs. If you notice anything concerning, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist right away.

By staying vigilant about skin cancer symptoms and practising sun safety, you can protect your skin and catch any potential issues before they become serious. Remember, if you’re ever unsure about a mole or spot, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have it checked out by a professional.

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

As dermatologists, we’ve seen that certain risk factors can significantly increase a person’s chances of developing skin cancer. While anyone can get skin cancer, some people are more susceptible due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key risk factors that may put you at a higher risk for this disease.

Sun Exposure

Exposure to UV radiation from the sun is the most significant risk factor for all types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The more time you spend in the sun, especially during peak UVB times, the higher your risk. People who work outdoors or frequently engage in outdoor activities without proper sun protection are at a particularly high risk. Even on cloudy or cool days, UV rays can penetrate the skin and cause damage over time, so it’s crucial to protect your skin year-round.

Skin Type

Your skin type plays a significant role in your risk of developing skin cancer. People with fair skin that burns easily and tans poorly (Fitzpatrick skin types I and II) have a much higher risk compared to those with darker skin tones. This is because fair skin has less melanin, the pigment that helps protect against UV damage. If you have light-coloured eyes, red or blond hair, and freckles, you’re also more likely to develop skin cancer. However, it’s important to remember that anyone, regardless of skin colour, can get skin cancer.

Age and Gender

While skin cancer can affect people of all ages, the risk increases as you get older. This is because the damaging effects of UV exposure accumulate over time. Men are also more likely than women to develop skin cancer, particularly after age 50. This may be due to a combination of factors, including greater lifetime sun exposure and less frequent use of sun protection.

Family History

If you have a family history of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, you may be at an increased risk. About 10% of people with melanoma have a family member who has also had the disease. Certain inherited genetic mutations, such as those in the CDKN2A gene, can significantly increase melanoma risk. If you have a strong family history of skin cancer, it’s important to be vigilant about skin checks and talk to your dermatologist about your individual risk factors.

Remember, having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t mean you will definitely develop skin cancer, but it does mean you should be extra cautious about sun protection and skin cancer screening. By understanding your individual risk profile and taking proactive steps to protect your skin, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing this potentially deadly disease.