Skin cancer rarely looks the way people expect. Many early skin cancers are small, painless and easy to mistake for a pimple, a scratch or a dry patch. Knowing what each type tends to look like helps you notice a spot early, when treatment is simplest.
This guide describes the most common appearances. It is not a substitute for an exam: some skin cancers look unusual, and only a biopsy can confirm a diagnosis. If something on your skin worries you, have it checked.
Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Most Common Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) usually grows slowly and rarely spreads, but it can damage surrounding skin if it is left alone. It most often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back. Look for:
- A shiny, pearly or translucent bump, often pink, red or skin-colored
- Tiny visible blood vessels on the surface
- A sore that bleeds, scabs, seems to heal, then comes back
- A flat, firm, pale or waxy patch that looks like a scar without an injury
- A pink growth with a raised, rolled edge and a dip in the center
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Rough, Scaly or Crusted
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type. It is more likely than BCC to spread if untreated, so early treatment matters. SCC often develops on the face, lips, ears, scalp, backs of the hands and forearms. Look for:
- A rough, scaly red patch that may crust or bleed
- A firm, raised bump, sometimes with a central crater
- An open sore that does not heal within a few weeks
- A wart-like growth, especially in a sun-exposed area
Many SCCs start as actinic keratoses, the rough, sandpaper-like spots caused by years of sun. Read more in our guide to actinic keratosis treatment.
Melanoma: Watch for Change
Melanoma is less common but more dangerous, because it can spread to other parts of the body. It can start in an existing mole or appear as a new spot, anywhere on the body, including areas that rarely see the sun. Dermatologists use the ABCDE guide:
- A — Asymmetry: one half does not match the other
- B — Border: irregular, ragged, notched or blurred edges
- C — Color: several shades of brown or black, or patches of red, white or blue
- D — Diameter: larger than about 6 mm (a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller
- E — Evolving: any change in size, shape, color or height, or new itching, crusting or bleeding
Two more signs are worth knowing. The ugly duckling sign is a spot that looks different from all your other moles. And not every melanoma is dark: some are pink, red or skin-colored, and some appear as a new dark streak under a fingernail or toenail, or a spot on the palm or sole.
Spots That Are Usually Harmless
Plenty of common growths look alarming but are benign, including seborrheic keratoses (waxy, "stuck-on" brown spots), cherry angiomas (small bright red dots), skin tags and sun spots. A dermatologist can usually tell these apart quickly. See our pages on seborrheic keratosis and skin tag removal.
When to See a Dermatologist
Book an appointment if you notice any of the following:
- A new spot that looks different from your other spots
- A mole or spot that is changing
- A sore that has not healed in three to four weeks
- A spot that bleeds, itches or crusts without an obvious cause
- A new dark line in a nail
In Florida, regular full-body skin exams are also worth scheduling even if nothing looks wrong. Our guide to how often to get a skin cancer screening explains how often, based on your risk.
What Happens if a Spot Looks Suspicious
Dr. Sergay examines the spot with a dermatoscope and, if needed, performs a quick biopsy the same day under local anesthetic. Biopsies are included in our office visit. If the result shows skin cancer, treatment depends on the type and size, from destruction and curettage to surgical excision. Learn more on our skin cancer screening and treatment and mole removal and mole checks pages, and see current prices on our pricing page.
Every exam at Sergay Dermatology in South Tampa is performed by Dr. Amanda Sergay, a board-certified dermatologist. If a spot has been on your mind, it is worth a look.
