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Noticing changes on your skin can be concerning, but understanding the symptoms of skin cancer is the vital first step toward early detection and effective treatment
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, often caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It can develop anywhere on your body but is most common on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms, and hands. Early detection of skin cancer symptoms is crucial for successful treatment and better outcomes.
Common Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of cancer and its location. Here are the key signs to watch for:
- New growths or spots: A new bump, mole, or patch on your skin that wasn’t there before.
- Changes in existing moles: Alterations in size, shape, colour, or texture of a mole or freckle.
- Sores that don’t heal: A sore that bleeds, crusts, or remains open for more than 4 weeks.
- Rough or scaly patches: Areas of skin that feel rough or have a crusty surface, often precancerous, like actinic keratosis.
- Red or pink patches: Persistent red or inflamed areas that may itch or hurt.
- Shiny or pearly bumps: Often flesh-coloured or pink, these can be signs of basal cell carcinoma.
- Pain, itching, or tenderness: Lesions that hurt, itch, or burn.
Symptoms by Type of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Usually appears on the face, neck, arms, and hands.
- Looks like a pearly or waxy bump, a flat flesh-coloured or brown scar-like lesion, or a sore that bleeds and heals repeatedly.
- Often slow-growing, but can cause local damage if untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Common on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, chest, and arms.
- Appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
- May develop from precancerous actinic keratosis (rough, scaly patches).
- It can grow deeper and spread if not treated early.
Melanoma
- It can develop anywhere, including the face, trunk, legs, and even under nails or on palms/soles.
- Signs include a mole or spot with irregular borders, multiple colours, or changes in size and shape.
- It may look like a large brownish spot with darker speckles or a small lesion with red, pink, white, blue, or black areas.
- Itching, bleeding, or pain may occur.
Actinic Keratosis (AK)
- Precancerous rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin, such as the face, scalp, ears, and arms.
- May be pink, red, or flesh-coloured and sometimes itchy or tender.
- It is important to treat early to prevent progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
Where to Check for Skin Cancer Symptoms
- Face: Nose, cheeks, forehead, lips, eyelids, ears, and neck.
- Arms and Hands: Forearms, backs of hands, palms, between fingers, and under nails.
- Scalp and Hairline: Especially in areas of hair thinning or loss.
- Chest and Shoulders: Including under breasts and back of shoulders.
- Legs and Feet: Front and back of legs, soles, toes, and under toenails.
- Other Areas: Palms, soles, genital area, and mucous membranes.
Self-Examination Guide: ABCDEs and the Ugly Duckling Test
Early detection of skin cancer dramatically improves treatment success. Regular self-examinations empower you to recognise suspicious changes on your skin before they become serious. Here’s how to perform an effective check using two proven methods: the ABCDEs of melanoma and the Ugly Duckling Test.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
Use this simple guide to evaluate moles or spots on your skin:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot does not match the other half.
- B – Border: Edges are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
- C – Colour: The colour is uneven, with shades of brown, black, tan, white, red, or blue.
- D – Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
- E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms such as itching, bleeding, or crusting.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult a dermatologist promptly.
The Ugly Duckling Test
Most of your moles will look similar, like a “flock” of ducks. The Ugly Duckling Test helps you spot moles that stand out because they look different from the rest. An “ugly duckling” mole may differ in:
- Size
- Shape
- Colour
- Texture
Because melanomas can sometimes look unlike typical moles, identifying an “ugly duckling” mole can be a critical clue. If you find a mole that looks like an “ugly duckling,” or one that catches your attention as unusual, have it evaluated by a dermatologist.
When to See a Dermatologist
- If you notice any new, changing, or unusual spots or sores that do not heal within 4 weeks.
- If a mole or spot looks different from your other moles (“ugly duckling”).
- If you have persistent itching, bleeding, or pain in a skin lesion.
- If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer or significant sun exposure.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Regular self-examinations combined with professional skin checks are essential. Using mirrors or assistance from a partner can help you check hard-to-see areas. Taking photos of suspicious spots with a ruler for size reference can aid monitoring and provide valuable information to your dermatologist.
Book a Skin Cancer Screening
If you are concerned about any skin changes or want a professional skin cancer screening, contact our expert dermatology team today. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes and help preserve your skin’s health and appearance.
Call us at 02084411043 or use the Make An Appointment button to schedule your consultation.
