Skin cancer can vary in how they look. Find out more about possible skin cancer signs. If you notice anything unusual on your skin, always make an appointment to show the area to your General Practitioner (GP). This could include:
- A new or change in mole.
- Any other unusual or unexplained skin changes.
- An itch or sore that will not go away.
It might help to take a photograph of anything unusual, so you can check for any changes. Remember that there are many other skin conditions that are not cancer, especially in older people.
- If you have black or brown skin, some skin cancer symptoms may be less obvious. Make an appointment with your GP if:
- You notice any changes.
- Have a skin sore that will not heal.
Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer type in the UK. It is more likely to develop on the skin that is regularly exposed to the sun, especially on the face, head and neck. A BCC might have some of these features:
- A smooth, firm lump that may be pearly, pink, red, brown or black- on black or brown skin. It is more likely to be pearly, brown or black.
- A lump that is sunken in the middle a crater.
- A flat patch of scaly, crusty or irritated skin.
- A scar-like area of pale, shiny skin.
BCC are usually painless. But they can sometimes be itchy or bleed. Over time, a BCC may develop into an open sore that does not heal.
Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer type in the Uk. SCC usually develop in the areas of skin that have been damaged by sun exposure, such as the:
- Face
- Neck
- Scalp
- Shoulder
- Arms
- Back of hands
- Lower legs.
But they can occur in other areas, particularly areas of skin where there has been long-term scarring or inflammation- for example, after a burn.
An SCC might have some of these features:
- A scaly, raised, rough area of skin.
- A lump that may look pink or red- on black or brown skin. it is more likely to be brown or black.
- A hard, crusty scab.
SCC may feel tender or bleed easily.