How to Spot Signs of Skin Cancer

How to spot signs of skin cancer

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70,¹ but early intervention can save lives. The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of recovery. Here’s what you need to know about the three main types of skin cancer, signs of skin cancer to watch for and tips for conducting a skin cancer screening at home.

3 types of skin cancer to know

• Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Manifesting as a new spot or as a change to an existing spot, it can spread to other areas of the body if left untreated. Since melanoma can grow on areas of skin not exposed to sunlight, it's important to be thorough during your skin checks.
• Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and, thankfully, poses the least danger. Basal cell cancers tend to grow gradually, and often appear as a reddish, pale or whitish spot. They can feel dry or scaly to the touch and may be very slow to heal.
• Squamous cell carcinoma tends to appear more often in individuals over age 50, usually on areas of the body frequently exposed to sunlight. Squamous cell cancer often appears as a scaly, reddish spot that tends to bleed easily.

Skin self-exam tips

A change in skin condition is the most obvious indication of a cancerous growth, making routine skin checks a vital part of skin cancer prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.

• Conduct your skin self-exam in an area with ample light
• Check your entire body, including between your toes, under your arms, and so on
• For hard-to-see areas like your back and scalp, ask a family member or friend to help, or use a handheld mirror

When studying moles, watch for the A B C D Es of skin cancer:

• Asymmetry (one half of the mole doesn’t match the other)
• Border irregularity
• Color that is patchy or uneven
• Diameter greater than 6 mm (around the same size as a pencil eraser)
• Evolving size, shape or color (has anything changed since the last skin check?)

Be on the lookout for these additional warning signs and symptoms of skin cancer:

• New growths on skin
• Sores that don’t seem to heal
• Pigment that spreads from the border of a mole into surrounding skin
• Swelling or redness that extends beyond a mole’s borders
• Itchiness, tenderness or pain around skin spots
• Skin growths that feel rough or scaly
• Oozing, bleeding or raised surface of moles
• Moles that seem to stand out from others around it

When in doubt, have it checked out!

Skin cancer can take many forms. To help you know what to look for, visit the American Cancer Society's skin cancer photo gallery,where you can review many common visual characteristics of skin cancer. If you notice any unusual growths on your body, schedule a skin cancer screening with your dermatologist right away.

Did you know? You can use the CareCredit credit card to help you pay for health, wellness and beauty care, including trips to the doctor for annual skin checks.* Use our Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a nearby location that accepts the CareCredit credit card.