What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

Riverside Cancer Care Center answered:

A change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This may be a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, or a change in an old growth. Not all skin cancers look the same. Skin changes to watch for:

Small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy lump Firm, red lump Sore or lump that bleeds or develops a crust or a scab Flat red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly and may become itchy or tender Red or brown patch that is rough and scaly

Sometimes skin cancer is painful, but usually it is not. Checking your skin for new growths or other changes is a good idea. Keep in mind that changes are not a sure sign of skin cancer. Still, you should report any changes to your health care provider right away. You may need to see a dermatologist, a doctor who has special training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.

This answer is based on source information from the National Cancer Institute.

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A change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This may be a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, or a change in an old growth. Not all skin cancers look the same. Skin changes to watch for: Small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy lump... More

Dr. Ross Levy of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:

Skin cancer will often present as a spot on your skin that is changing in some way. It may be getting darker if it is a mole (brown spot), or it may be a sore that just hasn't ever healed. For moles, itching or bleeding can sometimes be a sign of skin cancer. A helpful algorithm is the "A, B, C, Ds." "A" stands for asymmetry (one side of the mole doesn't look like the other), "B" stands for irregular borders, "C" stands for different colors, and "D" stands for diameter (usually larger than a pencil eraser). If you are concerned, you should see a dermatologist for at least a baseline exam.

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Columbia University Department of Surgery answered:

Warning signs of skin cancer are any sore that bleeds, scabs, grows, or does not heal in a few weeks. Such sores are most likely to appear on the exposed parts of your body like your face, neck, head (especially if you are bald), and your hands and arms. A mole that bleeds or changes color or size must be examined immediately.

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RealAge answered:

Perform routine self-examinations for skin cancer. Look for changes in the color, size, thickness, shape, or feel of a mole, freckle, or other mark. A new mole, or one that has irregular borders, has variable colors, or is larger than a quarter of an inch in diameter, should be examined by a doctor. Monthly skin self-exams and an annual total body screening by your doctor are important for the early detection of skin cancer.

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