Skin cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the skin cells, and its appearance can vary widely depending on the type of cancer. Understanding the variations in what skin cancer looks like can help in early detection and effective treatment.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. About 8 in 10 skin cancers are BCC. This type of skin cancer starts in the basal cells of the skin’s outer layer, called the epidermis. BCC grows slowly and is less likely to spread to other parts of the body compared to other skin cancers.
What it looks like on lighter skin: In people with lighter colored skin, BCC is often a painless growth that can appear as:
- Small, shiny, pearly bump or nodule on the skin
- Flat pink or red patch
- Slightly scaly or crusty
- An open sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal
What it looks like on darker skin: BCCs less frequently affect people with darker skin tones. When BCC develops, it generally shares similar characteristics, such as translucency, a shiny surface, or raised edges, but the lesions tend to be darker in color.
Where it forms: BCCs are commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, neck, and scalp. However, they can also appear on other parts of the body. Due to their tendency to develop in areas frequently exposed to sunlight, they are often seen in people with significant sun exposure or a history of sunburns.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. This type starts in the squamous cells, which are the flat, thin cells found in the epidermis. SCC is less common than basal cell carcinoma and can be more aggressive.
SCC is usually slow-growing and typically not life-threatening. Over time, it can grow deep into the skin, making treatment more difficult and the condition life-threatening. When discovered early, this type of cancer is highly treatable.
What it looks like: SCC can have the following physical characteristics:
- A scaly, crusted growth
- A sore that forms in an old scar
- A very small, rhinoceros-shaped horn growing from the skin
- Rough, red, or skin-colored
- Sometimes has a wart-like surface
- Raised bump with a central depression or an open sore that does not heal
- Varies in size and may grow over time
Where it forms: SCC commonly occurs in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, and back of the hands. It is also more common with advancing age, especially in people over 50.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. This type originates in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. Melanoma is known for its potential to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early.
What it looks like: Melanoma often begins with noticeable changes in a mole’s size, shape, color, or texture. Typically, melanomas exhibit dark hues, such as black or black-blue. They can also appear as new, irregular moles that may look abnormal.
The ABCDEs of melanoma are a set of criteria used to help identify potential melanomas, focusing on specific characteristics of skin lesions. Here’s what ABCDE stands for:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot does not match the other half in terms of shape or size. Melanomas are often asymmetrical, whereas benign (non-cancerous) moles are generally symmetrical.
- Border: The edges of the mole are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined. Melanomas may have uneven or blurred borders, unlike benign moles, which typically have smooth and even borders.
- Color: The color of the mole varies from one area to another. It may include shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue. Benign moles usually have a uniform color.
- Diameter: The mole or spot is often larger than 6 millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser. While melanomas can be smaller, a larger diameter is a common indicator.
- Evolving: The mole or spot changes in size, shape, color, or texture over time.
Where it forms: Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, including areas not typically exposed to the sun. Common locations include the back, legs, arms, and face. It can also occur on mucous membranes, such as the mouth, genital area, and inside the nose or eye.
Besides a change in the appearance of skin or the development of new growths, there can be other signs of skin cancer. With basal and squamous cell skin cancer, the affected area may be tender, itchy, or painful. These symptoms typically begin once the lesion has grown larger.
Basal cell cancer might bleed if you shave or get a minor injury because it’s fragile.
Early detection can improve treatment outcomes. When skin cancer is detected early, treatment options are more effective and less invasive. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have a high cure rate when diagnosed early. Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, has a significantly better prognosis when caught early.
Early detection minimizes the risk of complications. Early detection helps prevent the cancer from advancing to more severe stages or metastasizing (spreading) to other parts of the body, which can complicate treatment and reduce the survival rate.
Regular skin exams by a dermatologist, a doctor specializing in skin conditions, are essential for early detection. Dermatologists can identify suspicious changes in the skin that individuals might overlook. Between appointments, you should pay close attention to changes in skin appearance and reach out to a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Knowing what skin cancer looks like can help you recognize it in its early stages, which is important for effective treatment and improved outcomes. Skin cancer can look different depending on the type of skin cancer you have.
Basal cell carcinoma may look like a shiny bump, squamous cell carcinoma can look like a crusted growth, and melanoma can look like an irregular mole. Monitor your skin for changes and get regular skin cancer screenings.
