Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. It's also one of the most preventable, as long as you know what to look for. If you see anything suspicious on your skin, it's important to get it checked out by a doctor right away. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, and it usually appears as a small, pearly bump on the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma also looks like a bump, but it's usually red and scaly. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and it can spread to other parts of the body. It can appear as a mole that has changed in size, shape, or color, or as a new spot on the skin that looks unusual.
In the next section, we'll take a closer look at each type of skin cancer and discuss the symptoms you should look out for. We'll also provide some tips for protecting yourself from skin cancer and what to do if you think you might have it.
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
Know the signs of skin cancer.
- New or changing mole
- Asymmetrical shape
- Uneven borders
- Varied colors
- Larger than 6mm
- Oozing or bleeding
- Itching or pain
If you notice any of these signs, see a doctor right away.
New or changing mole
One of the most common signs of skin cancer is a new or changing mole. Moles are small, pigmented spots on the skin that are usually brown or black. They can be flat or raised, and they can appear anywhere on the body.
Most moles are harmless, but some can develop into skin cancer. It's important to keep an eye on your moles and watch for any changes in size, shape, or color. Any new moles that appear after the age of 21 should also be checked by a doctor.
Here are some specific things to look for:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole is different from the other half.
- Border: The edges of the mole are irregular or blurred.
- Color: The mole is unevenly colored, with different shades of brown, black, or even red or white.
- Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolution: The mole has changed in size, shape, or color over time.
If you notice any of these changes, see a doctor right away. It's important to catch skin cancer early, when it's most treatable.
In addition to the above, you should also be aware of the following:
- Itching or bleeding moles can also be a sign of skin cancer.
- If you have a mole that is painful, it's important to see a doctor right away.
- Some people are at higher risk of developing skin cancer, including people with fair skin, a history of sunburns, and a family history of skin cancer.
Asymmetrical shape
Another sign of skin cancer to look for is an asymmetrical shape. This means that one half of the mole is different from the other half. For example, if you draw a line down the center of the mole, the two halves will not match.
Asymmetry is one of the most important signs of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. However, it's important to note that not all asymmetrical moles are cancerous. Some moles can be naturally asymmetrical, especially if they are large or have been present since birth.
If you have an asymmetrical mole, it's important to have it checked by a doctor, especially if it has other suspicious features, such as uneven borders, varied colors, or a large size.
Here are some examples of asymmetrical moles:
- A mole that is half brown and half black
- A mole that has a jagged or irregular border
- A mole that is shaped like a map of the world
- A mole that has a large, dark center and a lighter-colored border
If you have any moles that look like these, see a doctor right away.
It's also important to keep in mind that skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, even in places that are not exposed to the sun. Therefore, it's important to check your skin regularly, including your scalp, feet, and genitals.
Uneven borders
Another sign of skin cancer to look for is uneven borders. This means that the edges of the mole are irregular or blurred. Instead of a smooth, round or oval shape, the mole may have jagged or notched edges.
- Scalloped or notched edges: The edges of the mole may look like they have been chewed on or bitten.
- Indistinct borders: The mole may blend into the surrounding skin, making it difficult to see where it ends.
- Satellite lesions: Small, new moles or bumps may appear around the main mole.
- Changes in the border: The border of the mole may become more irregular or blurred over time.
Uneven borders are a common sign of melanoma, but they can also be seen in other types of skin cancer. If you have a mole with uneven borders, it's important to have it checked by a doctor, especially if it has other suspicious features, such as asymmetry, varied colors, or a large size.
Varied colors
Another sign of skin cancer to look for is varied colors. This means that the mole has different shades of brown, black, or even red, white, or blue.
- Multiple shades of brown: The mole may have a mixture of light and dark brown areas.
- Black and brown: The mole may have both black and brown areas.
- Red, white, or blue: The mole may have areas of red, white, or blue in addition to brown or black.
- Changes in color: The color of the mole may change over time, becoming darker or lighter.
Varied colors are a common sign of melanoma, but they can also be seen in other types of skin cancer. If you have a mole with varied colors, it's important to have it checked by a doctor, especially if it has other suspicious features, such as asymmetry, uneven borders, or a large size.
Larger than 6mm
Another sign of skin cancer to look for is a size larger than 6mm. This is about the size of a pencil eraser. However, it's important to note that some skin cancers can be smaller than 6mm, so it's important to pay attention to other suspicious features as well.
- Rapid growth: A mole that grows quickly over a short period of time.
- Large size: A mole that is larger than 6mm in diameter.
- Changes in size: A mole that gradually gets larger over time.
- Irregular shape: A mole that has an irregular or asymmetrical shape.
If you have a mole that is larger than 6mm, it's important to have it checked by a doctor, especially if it has other suspicious features, such as asymmetry, uneven borders, or varied colors.
Oozing or bleeding
Oozing or bleeding from a mole is a sign that it needs to be checked by a doctor right away. This is especially true if the bleeding or oozing is persistent or occurs without any injury to the mole.
There are a few possible causes of bleeding or oozing from a mole:
- Trauma: A mole that is accidentally scratched or bumped may bleed or ooze. However, the bleeding or oozing should stop within a few days.
- Infection: A mole that is infected may become red, swollen, and painful. It may also ooze pus or other fluids.
- Skin cancer: Some types of skin cancer, such as melanoma, can cause moles to bleed or ooze. This is because the cancer cells can break down the blood vessels in the mole.
If you have a mole that is bleeding or oozing, it's important to see a doctor right away to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
It's also important to note that not all bleeding or oozing moles are cancerous. However, it's always best to err on the side of caution and have any suspicious moles checked by a doctor.
Itching or pain
Itching or pain in a mole can be a sign of skin cancer, especially if it is persistent or severe. This is because the cancer cells can release chemicals that irritate the nerve endings in the skin.
There are a few possible causes of itching or pain in a mole:
- Inflammation: A mole that is inflamed may become itchy or painful. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as sun exposure, irritation, or infection.
- Infection: A mole that is infected may become red, swollen, and painful. It may also ooze pus or other fluids.
- Skin cancer: Some types of skin cancer, such as melanoma, can cause moles to become itchy or painful. This is because the cancer cells can break down the tissue surrounding the mole.
If you have a mole that is itchy or painful, it's important to see a doctor right away to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
It's also important to note that not all itchy or painful moles are cancerous. However, it's always best to err on the side of caution and have any suspicious moles checked by a doctor.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about what skin cancer looks like:
Question 1: What are the most common signs of skin cancer?
Answer: The most common signs of skin cancer include a new or changing mole, an asymmetrical shape, uneven borders, varied colors, a size larger than 6mm, and oozing or bleeding.
Question 2: What does a suspicious mole look like?
Answer: A suspicious mole is one that has any of the following features: asymmetry, uneven borders, varied colors, a size larger than 6mm, or oozing or bleeding.
Question 3: What should I do if I have a suspicious mole?
Answer: If you have a suspicious mole, you should see a doctor right away to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
Question 4: Can all skin cancers be cured?
Answer: Most skin cancers can be cured if they are detected and treated early. However, some types of skin cancer, such as melanoma, can be more difficult to treat if they are not caught early.
Question 5: How can I prevent skin cancer?
Answer: There are a number of things you can do to prevent skin cancer, including avoiding excessive sun exposure, using sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing.
Question 6: Who is at risk for skin cancer?
Answer: Anyone can get skin cancer, but some people are at higher risk, such as people with fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer.
Question 7: What are the different types of skin cancer?
Answer: There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Closing Paragraph: If you have any concerns about skin cancer, it's important to talk to your doctor. Early detection and treatment are key to successful outcomes.
In the next section, we'll provide some tips for protecting yourself from skin cancer.
Tips
Here are some tips for protecting yourself from skin cancer:
Tip 1: Avoid excessive sun exposure.
The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are the main cause of skin cancer. Avoid spending long periods of time in the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10am to 4pm. If you must be outdoors, seek shade whenever possible and wear protective clothing, such as a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves and pants.
Tip 2: Use sunscreen.
Sunscreen helps to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. Choose a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The SPF (sun protection factor) number tells you how long the sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays. Choose an SPF of 30 or higher.
Tip 3: Wear protective clothing.
Clothing can help to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and a hat with a wide brim. You can also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
Tip 4: Get regular skin checks.
Regular skin checks are important for detecting skin cancer early, when it is most treatable. You can perform self-skin checks once a month, and you should also see a doctor for a professional skin check once a year.
Closing Paragraph: By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from skin cancer and keep your skin healthy.
In the next section, we'll provide some additional information about skin cancer, including how to spot the signs and symptoms and what to do if you think you might have skin cancer.
Conclusion
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world, but it is also one of the most preventable. By knowing what to look for and taking steps to protect yourself from the sun, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
The main points to remember are:
- Skin cancer can appear in many different forms, but some of the most common signs include a new or changing mole, an asymmetrical shape, uneven borders, varied colors, a size larger than 6mm, and oozing or bleeding.
- If you have a suspicious mole, it's important to see a doctor right away to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.
- There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from skin cancer, including avoiding excessive sun exposure, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and getting regular skin checks.
Closing Message:
By following these simple tips, you can help to protect yourself from skin cancer and keep your skin healthy for years to come.