10 Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

Summertime brings with it outdoor happy hours and weekend getaways to the beach, but it also brings with it an essential warning about the risk of skin cancer. Because you’ll likely be spending more time in the sun and wearing fewer layers of clothing, it’s critical to keep an eye out for any new or unusual growths on your skin. Aleksandar Sekulic, M.D., principal for Stand Up To Cancer’s Melanoma Research Alliance Dream Team and Mayo Clinic dermatologist, on skin cancer symptoms. “Most skin cancers actually are not symptomatic,” he says. That implies that most of the time, a malignant area will not pain or even itch. “People will occasionally report that a red and scaly area has gotten more red and sensitive, although the vast majority of genuine tumors are asymptomatic.”

Summertime brings outdoor happy hours and beach weekends, but also a reminder of skin cancer risk. Because you’ll be spending more time in the sun and wearing less clothing, keep an eye out for any new or unusual skin growths.

“Most skin cancers are not symptomatic,” says Aleksandar Sekulic, M.D., of Stand Up To Cancer’s Melanoma Research Alliance Dream Team. That means a cancerous spot won’t always hurt or itch. “A red scaly spot may become more red and tender, but most cancers are asymptomatic.”

So how do you spot a suspicious spot? “It depends on the skin cancer,” Sekulic says. He outlines the major indicators so you can look out for any red flags.

Melanoma is one of the Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

It is usually pigmented and resembles a mole. “We really look for change,” Sekulic says. The American Academy of Dermatology uses the acronym ABCDE to identify melanoma—look for these signs in a new or old mole:

1. Asymmetry: If you cut it in half, one side looks different than the other.
2. Border: A normal mole has a smooth border. Uneven, scalloped or ragged? “That could be a sign,” Sekulic says.
3. Color: If the mole has three or four distinct colors instead of one, be cautious.
4. Diameter:The size of the mole is important because melanoma is more common in larger moles.
5. Change: “Any change in an existing spot or mole should be investigated,” Sekulic says. This includes changes in size, shape, color, or bleeding without provocation. “The spot may even start to fade.” It’s important to know what’s normal on your skin and when things change.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (SCC)

The most common skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, followed by SCC. “Many start as small, harmless spots that grow in size,” Sekulic says. Luckily, they’re both treatable and can be surgically removed, though scarring may result. Rarely, they can deepen and spread. While some symptoms are specific to each, the general symptoms are the same. Watch out for:

1. A red scaly patch: A red, itchy spot of skin that doesn’t go away after a few weeks of moisturizing is probably SCC. These can itch or not, and are often mistaken for eczema.
2. An ulcerating bump or pimple that won’t stop bleeding: A sore that bleeds, heals, and splits open again is a sign of BCC or SCC.
3. A shiny bump: It’s usually pink, red, or white, but it can be tan, black, or brown.
4. A pink growth: The border will be elevated, the center will be indented and possibly crusty.
5. A shiny white or yellow scar-like spot: If you notice a shiny white or yellow scar-like spot, see your dermatologist right away.

Visit your dermatologist for regular skin checks. An annual full-body scan is often recommended by dermatologists, especially for people with risk factors for skin cancer. If you see anything suspicious, get it checked out immediately. Prevention is key point more important than notice Warning Signs of Skin Cancer.