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If you are someone you love has an unusual bump or mole, you may be worried that it's malignant. If you are concerned about skin cancer, have your doctor examine the bump or mole—don't try to diagnose it yourself. While you are waiting for your appointment, this page will help educate you on the signs that a skin condition may, in fact, be cancerous. Read on to learn how to tell if a person has skin cancer.
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Introduction
- Skin cancer encompasses a range of diseases, from cancers which are usually cured by surgical excision, to the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma. This page outlines the symptoms of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Step 1: Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
- Basal cell carcinoma has just a 1-10% chance of recurrence, and rarely metastasizes to other areas of the body. It may appear as a small bump that can be pearly or waxy, white, light pink, brown, or indistinguishable from the surrounding skin.
- Other signs of basal cell carcinoma include a sore that bleeds easily, doesn't heal, is crusty or oozing, has a depressed area in the center, or that has appeared without the area being injured. You may also notice irregular blood vessels around the sore or bump.MedlinePlus: Basal Cell Carcinoma
Step 2: Squamous Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
- Squamous cell carcinoma can be difficult to distinguish from normal skin. It may appear as a hard red nodule, or a crusty scaly patch similar to actinic keratoses. Although associated with years of sun exposure, it can also appear in areas that have never received sun exposure, such as the genitals or anus. An ulcerated sore may also be a sign of squamous cell carcinoma.Mayo Clinic: Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Symptoms
Step 3: Melanoma Symptoms
- Melanoma may be recognized by a change in an existing mole, or the appearance of a new mole. Cancer experts speak of "ABCD" when describing when to be concerned about a mole.National Cancer Institute: Melanoma Signs and Symptoms
- A refers to asymmetry, or a mole in which one half has a different size or shape than the other.National Cancer Institute: Melanoma Signs and Symptoms
- B stands for border. Doctors are concerned when a mole lacks a defined border, or has a border which is irregular.National Cancer Institute: Melanoma Signs and Symptoms
- C means color. Malignant moles are typically black or blue, but may be any color. Having multiple colors in one mole is a danger sign.National Cancer Institute: Melanoma Signs and Symptoms
- D refers to diameter. Any mole larger than 1/4 inch, which is about the size of a pencil eraser, should be examined by a doctor.National Cancer Institute: Melanoma Signs and Symptoms
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