How to Spot Skin Cancer

The two most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a shiny bump with a rolled border, a persistent, non-healing sore that bleeds, a scar-like area, or a reddish patch. A squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a thick, rough scaly patch, a wart-like growth that bleeds, or an open sore that persistently bleeds or crusts. Melanoma is the third most common skin cancer and may be a pigmented growth or, more rarely, a pink or skin colored growth. Melanoma may have any of the following characteristics: Asymmetry, Border Irregularity, Color Variability, Increasing Diameter, and Evolving (meaning an evolution in size, shape, color, elevation, or development of a new symptom like itching, bleeding, or crusting). Check your skin on a monthly basis for any lesions that look like those pictured above. If you ever spot any of the lesions pictured above or any other suspicious new, non-healing, or changing growth, call your dermatologist immediately!