Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Symptoms of skin cancer can vary depending on the type of skin cancer. In general, one of the presenting symptoms is typically the appearance of a new growth on the skin. For basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, this is most common on sun-exposed skin (head and neck, hands). Melanoma is often on other body areas not exposed to sun except when sunbathing.

Basal cell carcinoma typically presents as a pearly, ivory or waxy bump on the skin which can also be flesh-colored or reddish/brownish. These are typically slow growing.

Squamous cell carcinoma are typically firm, red bumps and can have a crusted or scaly surface.

Melanoma may present as a mole that changes in size, color, texture or begins to ulcerate or bleed. However, they can be atypical in appearance with a more red, white or bluish appearance. Most commonly they are dark, flat lesions that may have darker spots within it.

Generally, concerning skin lesions are those that are new or have changed in size, texture or other characteristics recently. However, there are numerous skin lesions that can occur in all ages, particularly as we get older. Therefore, only a qualified physician can say if a given skin spot is likely cancer or not. Diagnosis will require a biopsy of the lesion so that a pathologist can determine if it is cancer and to determine which type of skin cancer it is.