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Warning signs of skin cancer include new or changing moles, red or itchy patches, lumps, or other unusual growths on the skin
Warning signs of skin cancer include new or changing moles, red or itchy patches, lumps, or other unusual growths on the skin. Early detection can increase your chances of successful treatment.
Skin cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of skin cells. While it is most commonly found on sun-exposed skin, it can also develop on sun-protected areas of the body. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the three most common kinds of skin cancer.
While there are several indicators of skin cancer, the following are the most typical warning signs that prompt people to seek medical attention.
5 of the most common signs of skin cancer
1. Moles
You have a good chance of detecting cancerous moles if you check them once a month using the ABCDE approach:
- Asymmetry: Shape of the mole is not uniform.
- Border: Borders are ill-defined or irregular.
- Color: Color is not uniform.
- Diameter: Melanomas are often larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 mm) in diameter.
- Evolution: Size, shape, or color of the mole is changing.
2. Red, itchy patches
Rashes aren’t always a sign of skin cancer, and sometimes are caused by poison ivy or oak, contact dermatitis, or simply sensitive skin. But if you notice elevated, reddish areas on your skin that don't go away, it could be an indication of basal cell carcinomas. You may also notice:
- Yellow, flat patches
- Shiny bumps or multicolored patches with a combination of pink, brown, blue, or black colors
- Raised borders on pink growths
- Sores that are not healing
3. Lumps
If you see firm lumps or bumps on your skin that are pink, red, or purple, you may have Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
Merkel cell tumors can appear anywhere on the body. While they typically do not cause pain, they grow quickly and can turn into ulcers or sores. MCC is a more serious type of skin cancer and should be checked out immediately.
4. Lesions
Lesions that form on the face or legs and appear red, brown, or purple may indicate that you have Kaposi sarcoma (KS).
Since these lesions may not be painful and simply appear as spots, many people neglect getting them checked out. However, these lesions can spread and cause serious complications if left untreated.
5. Other unexpected changes
Any change to your skin should be evaluated and taken seriously. Changes may include:
- New growths
- Texture variations
- Discoloration
- Swelling
If you suspect that skin changes could be a warning sign of skin cancer, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
