The good news is that most skin cancer is treatable — if caught early. Knowing the symptoms of skin cancer to watch out for can help ensure a timely diagnosis.
Australia and New Zealand have one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally. Non-melanoma skin cancers are the most common. There are two main types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC)—which accounts for about 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers—and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Yet, when people think of skin cancer they tend to think of melanoma. The reason why melanoma is universally known is that it poses the biggest danger. It can quickly spread to other parts of the body, making it much harder to treat.
In the unlikely event that you do develop skin cancer, your best chance of treating and beating it comes from spotting it early. Here are the skin cancer symptoms to watch out for.
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In some cases melanoma has no symptoms. Generally though, the first symptom is a new spot or a change to an existing mole. Here’s what to look for:
A new mole (or ugly duckling)
The first symptom of melanoma is generally a new spot or a change to an existing mole. While many people focus on changes to their existing moles, the truth is that most (around 70-80%) of melanomas appear as new moles.
But not just a regular mole. This new mark will look different from other moles, freckles, or sunspots on your skin. It may appear bigger than your other spots. It may have an add shape, or unusual colour. (More on the changes to be aware of below).
The ‘ugly duckling’ rule is a helpful method for spotting melanoma. If any spot or mole looks different to those around it, get it checked out. Presto!
The ‘ugly duckling’ rule is a helpful method for spotting melanoma. If any spot or mole looks different to those around it, get it checked out. Presto!
A changing mole
Changes to an existing mole (even one you’ve had since forever) can be one of the early symptoms of skin cancer. The best way to track and monitor any differences is to clue up on the signs of skin cancer (AKA the ‘ABCDEFG’ guidelines).
Dark spots under your nails
What are the symptoms of skin cancer? It’s unlikely your first thought is dark streaks, splotches, or spots under your fingernails or toenails.
Acral lentiginous melanoma is one of the four main types of melanoma. It appears as a flat grey, black, or brown lesion with an irregular border. It is usually found in areas you might not think to check for symptoms of cancer. This includes the nail bed, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Acral lentiginous melanoma appears as a flat grey, black, or brown lesion with an irregular border. It is usually found in areas you might not think to check like the nail bed, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
This is the skin cancer that Bob Marley was diagnosed with in 1977. It appeared as a spot under the nail of his big toe. Left untreated, it spread to other parts of his body and caused his death three years later.
Spots that may be mistaken for pimples
Nodular melanomas are firm, raised bumps on the surface of the skin. They may appear as black or blue spots but can change in colour, becoming red or pink. Hence, they may be mistaken for a harmless blind spot or pimple.
Nodular melanomas are firm, raised bumps on the surface of the skin. They may be mistaken for a harmless pimple as they may have a red or pink colour.
Scaly patches
Some types of skin cancers can cause patches of skin to feel dry, rough, or scaly when touched. These patches may be discoloured, but not always.
One way to assess the skin is to slather it with moisturiser. If the skin remains rough and scaly, it could be skin cancer.
Alternatively, it could be a lesion called an actinic keratosis (AK), which can be a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma. AKs appear as scaly spots or patches on areas of the skin that have been over exposed to the sun. It’s most common on the face, scalp, neck, lips, ears, forearms, and backs of the hands. This type of cancer is more common with age.
A sore that won’t heal
Some skin cancers don’t look all that worrisome. But perhaps you notice that they won’t go away. A sore that’s been hanging around and won’t heal, or an unusual spot that’s intensely itchy — these could be symptoms of skin cancer.
Full Body MoleMap is our most comprehensive mole check. It includes total body photography and proactive skin surveillance to spot changes over time.
Vision problems
When we talk about melanoma we tend to think of the skin. Yet, ocular melanoma is a type of cancer that affects the eyes. A rare type of cancer, it’s more common in men and the risk increases with age.
Ocular melanoma can be tricky to diagnose as it forms in the part of the eye that isn’t visible. So, you won’t see it when looking in the mirror. In fact, often there are no early skin cancer symptoms. The most likely way to identify it is during a routine eye examination.
As the cancer develops, the possibility of symptoms is higher and may include blurry vision, floaters (specks or squiggly lines) in your vision, a dark spot near the iris, or loss of peripheral vision.
Symptoms of skin cancer: non-melanoma
Melanoma tends to get most of the airtime when it comes to skin cancer talk. Yet, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common. Plus, like melanoma, they can be fatal if not spotted and treated early. Here are the symptoms of skin cancer to be on the lookout for.
5 signs of basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is characterised by skin growths. These are, typically, reddish (ulcer like) patches or pearl-shaped lumps, which are pink, red, or brown colour. This type of cancer usually appears on the areas of the skin that get the most sun exposure, such as the face and the arms.
Basal cell carcinoma is characterised by skin growths, typically reddish patches or pearl-shaped lumps, which are pink, red, or brown colour.
The good news? Very few people die from BCC, as its symptoms are hard to ignore and it’s usually treatable. Here are five symptoms of skin cancer to spot.
1. A sore that bleeds and won’t heal
You may notice a spot that bleeds, weeps, or crusts but doesn’t clear up. If it does eventually go away, it’s likely it will return.
2. A red, irritated patch
A reddened (eczema-like) area of skin that may feel rough or itchy.
3. A pearly lump
This skin-coloured bump may have a translucent (see through) surface.
4. A scaly area that’s shiny and pink
This red/pink lesion may have an indentation in the middle and slightly raised edges.
5. A scar-like area
A white or pale pink area of skin that looks like a scar with an undefined border. The skin may look tight and shiny.
BCC lesions can vary in size and it’s possible to have more than one BCC on different parts of the body at the same time. They can also grow in groups.
4 signs of squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tends to appear on parts of your skin that get the most sun exposure — such as your arms, legs, and face. SCC has similar symptoms to basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Yet, if left untreated, it can be more dangerous. This is because it can spread to other organs of the body. Here are four symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma to watch for.
1. An open sore
What might start out as a rough or scaly patch may develop into an open sore.
2. A red, scaly patch
This type of cancer often appears as a thick, red, scaly, or crusted patch.
3. A crater-like growth
You may notice a raised lesion with a depressed centre.
4. Pain or tenderness
The area of the skin where you have the squamous cell carcinoma may feel sore or tender to touch.
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Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone, even young people. Yet, several factors increase your risk of skin cancer. This includes:
Daily sun protection and regular skin checks are the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer. We encourage you to do a self-check every three months and have a professional skin examination once a year. If you notice a new or changing mole, check it out. ASAP.
Full Body MoleMap is our most comprehensive mole check offered at our skin cancer clinics. It includes total body photography and proactive skin surveillance to spot changes over time. For people at low risk (with few moles) or who have noticed a new or changing mole, we recommend a skin check. A melanographer will perform a thorough skin exam. Any suspicious moles will be imaged and sent for dermatologist diagnosis. Want the added benefit of full body photography to track changes to your skin and moles over time? Choose our SkinCheck+ service.
To spot new or changing moles in between appointments, we encourage you to do a self-check every three months. If you notice a new or changing mole, check it out. ASAP.
Remember, regular skin assessments may be the difference between spotting or missing a cancerous mole.
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MoleMap are experts in skin cancer detection, diagnosis and proactive monitoring. Want the best protection against melanoma? Get your skin and moles checked early and often.
