What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?

A dermatologist’s advice for spotting early skin cancer signs — and when to seek medical attention.

Every day, close to 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer, making it the most common form of cancer in the country. Knowing the key signs of skin cancer is critical.

“Early intervention for any type of skin cancer is very important,” says Juliana Berk-Krauss, MD, a dermatologist and skin cancer specialist with Keck Medicine of USC.

Even the most serious types of skin cancer can have excellent survival rates if caught early, Dr. Berk-Krauss says. She discusses key warning signs of skin cancer to watch for.

Two main categories of skin cancer

There are two main categories of skin cancer: non-melanoma and melanoma.

Non-melanoma skin cancers make up most skin cancer cases and are generally quite treatable, Dr. Berk-Krauss says. Non-melanoma skin cancers are often related to sun exposure. Two of the most common types of non-melanoma skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). They typically appear on areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun. Treatment can usually be done in a dermatologist’s office. With surgical removal, very high cure rates are possible, Dr. Berk-Krauss says.

By contrast, melanoma is rarer than BCC and SCC but is typically more dangerous as it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body. With melanoma, too, sun protection is an important preventative measure, and early intervention can still be highly effective, Dr. Berk-Krauss says.

Warning signs of melanoma skin cancer

To stay vigilant, be aware of any changes to your skin. “Do you have any lesions that are new, growing, changing or symptomatic — meaning itchy or painful?” Dr. Berk-Krauss asks.

Not all skin changes are bad, she notes. Throughout life, the skin naturally develops harmless spots. Still, new mole development should generally slow as you age.

Keep an eye on any spots that stand out as different from others. If you’re unsure about a spot, ask your doctor. “If you’re developing a new brown spot that looks or is behaving atypically, that’s something to ask your doctor about,” she advises. Approximately 33% of melanomas arise from existing moles, she says, while 67% appear as completely new spots.

To keep an eye on early signs of melanoma, Dr. Berk-Krauss says to keep the ABCDE mnemonic in mind. When assessing spots on your skin, look for:

• A is for Asymmetry: If a spot looks asymmetrical — meaning when you draw an imaginary line down the middle of the spot, the halves aren’t identically shaped — consider it a potential hazard sign.
• B is for Border Irregularity: Look for irregular or jagged borders on spots.
• C is for Color Variation: Watch for a spot with multiple colors (black, blue, red, white, etc.).
• D is for Diameter: A spot with a diameter larger than 6 millimeters could be a concern. (This would be a spot larger than the diameter of a typical pen cap.)
• E is for Evolution: If a spot is changing over time — growing, bleeding or forming sores — seek medical attention.

It’s important to note that although the risk of skin cancer is lower in people with darker skin, individuals with darker skin should still follow the same ABCDE screening method. “Melanin serves as a form of skin protection, but it’s only filtering some ultraviolet radiation, not all,” Dr. Berk-Krauss says.

It is also important to know that melanomas in people with darker skin tend to appear on the palm of the hand and sole of the feet, areas that are often overlooked during self-examinations, she cautions.

When to see a doctor for skin cancer testing

If you notice any of the warning signs above, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist. These professionals are specially trained to evaluate concerning skin patterns. They have access to advanced diagnostic tools, and when something looks concerning, they can perform a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.

There are no official national guidelines for skin cancer screening, but several factors can increase your risk: family history of skin cancer; having fair skin, light eyes or red hair; a history of sunburns, especially as a child; tanning bed use; or having many moles, Dr. Berk-Krauss says.

She recommends getting a baseline skin check with a dermatologist, especially by middle age. Your dermatologist can then assess your individual risk and determine an appropriate follow-up schedule. Low-risk individuals may need screening every few years, while those with higher risk should be seen annually, or even more frequently, depending on their history.

“You should be in touch with your body, aware of new things that pop up,” Dr. Berk-Krauss advises. “Then, rather than trying to self-diagnose, you should talk to your doctor.”

How is skin cancer treated?

Skin cancer treatment depends on the cancer type, size and location. Small superficial cancers can be treated with minimally invasive methods, while larger ones require surgical removal. Most skin cancers can be treated in a dermatologist’s office with very high cure rates, Dr. Berk-Krauss emphasizes.

Protect yourself from skin cancer

Understanding what skin cancer looks like and being aware of changes in your skin’s appearance empowers you to protect your health. Remember that skin cancer is common but often highly treatable when caught early. You can learn to recognize warning signs, and if something concerns you, ask your doctor.

Take daily precautions to lower your risk. Avoid prolonged sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when ultraviolet rays are strongest and wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Also, remember you need sun protection even when in a car, as UVA radiation permeates car windows.

Choose a sunscreen of SPF 30 and higher with “broad spectrum” coverage, meaning it protects you from UVA and UVB radiation, Dr. Berk-Krauss says. Look for mineral sunscreens that combine zinc oxide and titanium dioxide at concentrations of around 20% for effective broad-spectrum protection, she adds. You can also look for chemical sunscreens that contain ecamsule or avobenzone, which are particularly effective for UVA protection, in addition to UVB filter ingredients.

“The best sunscreen is one that you’ll wear,” Dr. Berk-Krauss emphasizes.

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