That small, dark spot on your shoulder has been there for months, but lately it seems different. Maybe it's grown slightly larger, or the edges appear less defined than before. You’ve always been diligent about protecting your skin to prevent problems, so you’re not sure if it's worth worrying about, but something tells you it wasn't always this way.
At Core Medicine of Idaho, our medical professionals believe early detection of skin cancer signs can make all the difference in treatment outcomes. Recognizing the warning signs of the three major types of skin cancer empowers you to take proactive steps for your health.
What Are Some Early-Stage Skin Cancer Signs?
Skin cancer can develop anywhere, but it most often appears in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as your face, ears, neck, scalp, arms, and hands. However, it can also form in less obvious places, including under the nails, between the toes, or on the soles of your feet.
Specific criteria are used to evaluate suspicious spots, and understanding these guidelines helps you monitor your entire body effectively. We strongly encourage our patients to conduct regular self-examinations to look for skin changes, paying close attention to both sun-exposed and hidden areas. Combined with awareness of key skin cancer warning signs, they are your first line of defense against serious complications.
ABCDE Rule for Mole Evaluation
- Asymmetry. When divided down the middle, one half of the mole doesn't match the other half. Healthy moles typically have a symmetrical appearance with an even distribution of color and texture.
- Border irregularity. Edges that are uneven, notched, or blurred rather than smooth and well-defined. Normal moles have clear, distinct borders that separate them from surrounding skin.
- Color variation. Multiple colors within a single mole or spot, such as different shades of brown, black, red, or blue. Benign moles usually maintain consistent coloring throughout.
- Diameter. Take note of any moles that are larger than a pencil eraser—athough melanomas can be smaller when first detected. Any mole larger than this size deserves professional evaluation.
- Evolution. This is a critical skin cancer symptom. Schedule an appointment in our office right away if you notice any changes in size, shape, color, texture, or other issues, such as itching or bleeding over time.
To help with visual identification, review this infographic from the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Additional Warning Signs That Require Attention
- Non-healing sores. Spots that don't heal within several weeks, especially on sun-exposed areas like your face, arms, or legs. These may bleed, crust over, and then reopen repeatedly.
- Unusual bleeding. Spots that bleed without injury or trauma, particularly if this occurs spontaneously, or you also experience tenderness or pain in the area.
- New growths. Pay special attention to growths that develop quickly or change rapidly, or any new spots that appear after age 30, particularly those that look different from your other moles.
3 Major Types of Skin Cancer and Symptoms
Skin cancer originates in the three main layers of your skin, with each type developing from different cellular components within these structures. The epidermis, your outermost skin layer, houses basal cells at its base, squamous cells within the middle layers, and melanocytes that produce pigment throughout.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Appearance characteristics. This most common form of skin cancer typically appears as a small, shiny bump or flat, flesh-colored lesion on sun-exposed areas like your face, neck, and hands.
- Physical symptoms. These lesions may bleed easily when touched or develop a central depression with raised edges. Many have a distinctive waxy or pearl-like appearance.
- Growth pattern. While this cancer rarely spreads to other body parts, it grows slowly but steadily, causing significant local tissue damage if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Visual identification. This type often looks like rough, scaly patches or firm, red nodules on sun-damaged skin areas that receive regular exposure.
- Development process. It might develop from precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses, which appear as rough, scaly spots that require monitoring.
- Spread potential. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can move into lymph nodes and other organs, making early treatment critical.
Melanoma
- Location patterns. This most serious form of skin cancer develops anywhere on the body, including areas with minimal sun exposure, such as the soles of your feet or under fingernails, making full-body checks essential.
- Appearance variations. A potentially cancerous growth often appears as an irregularly shaped mole with uneven coloring or as a new, unusual-looking spot that may develop within existing moles.
- Progression concerns. Early detection is crucial because melanoma is aggressive and moves rapidly through the lymphatic system and bloodstream. Survival rates drop significantly after it spreads.
Don’t Take Chances With Your Skin Health
Whether you're dealing with a suspicious mole, a sore that won't heal, or a spot that's changing in appearance, understanding what to look for helps you make informed decisions about seeking medical care. Core Medicine of Idaho Family Practice and Urgent Care specializes in preventative health care. Through annual checkups and comprehensive wellness exams, we’ll help you learn more about skin cancer symptoms and provide the resources you need for quality care.