Skin cancer can appear in many forms, so it’s important to know the warning signs. It often shows up as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in an existing mole. The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—each with different appearances.

Common Signs of Skin Cancer

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

• Most common and slow-growing
• May look like:
  • A pearly or waxy bump
  • A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion
  • A sore that bleeds, heals, and returns

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

• More likely to spread than BCC
• May look like:
  • A firm red nodule
  • A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
  • A sore that doesn’t heal or keeps reopening

3. Melanoma (Most Serious Type)

• Can develop in an existing mole or as a new dark spot
• ABCDE Rule helps identify melanoma:
  • Asymmetry – one half doesn’t match the other
  • Border – edges are irregular or blurred
  • Color – uneven color (shades of black, brown, pink, red, or white)
  • Diameter – larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
  • Evolving – changing in size, shape, or color

Other Possible Appearances

• A dark streak under a nail
• A wart-like growth
• A patch of skin that itches, bleeds, or feels tender
• A new growth on sun-exposed areas, like the face, neck, arms, or legs

When to See a Doctor

• Any new or changing mole or spot
• Sores that don’t heal
• Lesions that bleed, itch, or grow