From lumps and bumps to other growths, it can be unsettling to find a new or irregular mark on your skin. Most of the time, these marks are just a normal, harmless part of your skin.
Still, if you see new or abnormal marks, it's important to keep an eye on them. Signs like these can signal skin cancer—and if something is amiss, acting early could save your life. Dive in to learn how to spot skin cancer, including signs of skin cancer vs. moles, and who to call if you're concerned.
Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 20 percent of Americans will get it by age 70. Fortunately, the most common types of skin cancer are also the most treatable: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The more serious—and far less common—skin cancers are melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Here's a closer look at each type and their distinguishing characteristics.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
By far the most common type of skin cancer, healthcare professionals diagnose 3.6 million new cases of BCC each year. BCCs rarely spread to other parts of the body, but if they're not treated, they can continue to grow and destroy local tissue.
BCCs can appear as scar-like marks, patches, bumps, growths, or sores on areas that typically see a lot of sun, such as the face, head, upper back, and arms.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This is the second most common type of skin cancer, with approximately 1.8 million new cases yearly. Though it has a low fatality rate, SCCs can spread quickly without early detection and treatment.
SCCs appear as bloody or scaly patches, growths, lumps, or sores. They're also more likely to appear on sun-exposed skin, like the face, ears, hands, and arms.
Melanoma
Melanoma isn't as common—less than 200,000 new cases each year—but it's more dangerous than BCC or SCC. Melanoma causes about 8,000 deaths in the US each year. When caught early, it's highly treatable.
Melanoma can appear as strange moles on the body, even in areas that don't see sunlight.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma is the least common type of skin cancer, with about 3,000 new cases each year. It's also aggressive and has a high risk of recurring and spreading to other parts of the body.
MCCs usually appear on sun-exposed skin but not always. They also don't have specific distinguishing characteristics. They usually appear as firm, painless bumps and may be skin-colored, red, brown, or violet.
How to Spot Skin Cancer
Because skin cancer varies by type, it can also vary in presentation and skin tone (meaning how it looks on the skin). Unusual moles, growths, and discolorations can all indicate skin cancer, but they can also be normal, harmless changes.
Skin Cancer Signs to Look For
Dermatologists offer this advice: Check your skin monthly in a mirror, including easy-to-overlook areas like your underarms, buttocks, and between your toes. Note any marks you see.
Book a visit with your Derm if you see any of the following signs:
- New spots you haven't noticed before
- Spots that are different from others
- Sores that don't heal
- Red, discolored, or swollen skin near a mole
- Existing spots that have changed since your last skin check
- Marks that itch or bleed
- Persistent or recurring pain in the skin
Skin Cancer vs. Moles: The ABCDEs of Melanoma
Only 35 percent of people with melanoma that's metastasized (spread to other parts of the body) will survive longer than five years. However, if it's caught before it spreads, those odds go up to more than 99 percent. So, doctors created the ABCDEs of melanoma to support early detection.
If you notice any of these changes, schedule an appointment with your Derm immediately.
Asymmetry
If you drew a line down the middle of the mole, the halves wouldn't look the same.
Border
The mole lacks a regular, smooth, or well-defined border against the surrounding skin.
Color
The mole isn't the same color throughout—you may see some browns, blacks, whites, or other colors.
Diameter
The mole is bigger than a pencil eraser, around 6 mm (though melanoma can be smaller).
Evolving
The mark has changed in shape, size, or color over time or doesn't match other marks on your body.
Leave Diagnosis to Your Derm
Performing regular at-home skin checks is an important part of caring for your skin health, but your Derm is your best resource if you notice a changing spot. Abnormal marks can be worrisome, so consulting an expert to rule out skin cancer can give you peace of mind.
Don't wait until you've spotted an irregular mark on your skin to find a Derm. In general, it's best to see your Derm at least once a year for a skin cancer screening. That way, you'll already have someone familiar to call if you need something checked.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
No matter who you are, prevention is key when it comes to skin cancer. Pick the best sunscreen for your skin type and use it daily. Combine this with other sun-protective measures—like seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing—and visit your Derm for your annual skin check. Once you make these practices a habit, you might be surprised at how easy it is to protect your skin.
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