Do I have skin cancer?
It’s during these hot and humid days of summer when we dress in sleeveless shirts and shorts that sun exposure is at a maximum. We find skin imperfections and growths that we’re not really sure were there before. Our friends and family notice and point out to us discolorations and skin markings that we may or may not be familiar with, which makes us wonder, are these moles healthy or do I have skin cancer. Especially the ones found on our backs and the backs of our legs. Patients come into my office inquiring about the health of such skin findings and I praise them for getting medical attention because when found early, almost all skin cancer is curable.
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Skin cancer: the most common cancer in the U.S.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States as one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Almost 10,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed daily. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
Basil cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinomas usually develop in areas of the body that are left exposed to the sun. Although it may appear as a skin-colored, slightly translucent bump, it can look pearly white or pink on white skin or brown or glossy black on darker complexions. A basal cell carcinoma may also present as a flat scaly patch, sometimes with a raised translucent border. More rarely, it can appear as a white, waxy scar-like lesion without clearly defined borders.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinomas are also typically found on sun-exposed skin surfaces but can occur anywhere on the body. These types of skin cancers can present as a red firm nodule, or as a flat sore with a crust that doesn’t heal.
Malignant melanomas
Malignant melanomas are most commonly found on the backs of men and the legs of women. They can be found anywhere on the body though including between the toes, on fingernail beds, and the soles of the feet.
Malignant melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, but the most deadly. When checking your skin, use the ABCDE checklist to evaluate your moles.
The ABCDE checklist: Use to identify skin cancer
A – Asymmetry: Common healthy moles are usually symmetric, so one half of a mole looks just like the other half. Most melanomas are asymmetric. If you draw a straight line through a melanoma, one half doesn’t look like the other half.
B – Border: Borders of a healthy mole are usually smooth and even. Most melanomas have irregular or scalloped borders. Sometimes the borders are not well defined.
C – Color: Healthy moles are usually a single shade of brown. Most melanomas have multiple shades of brown, tan, or black. They may even turn red, blue, or white as they grow.
D – Diameter: Most healthy moles are smaller than 6 mm, which is about the size of a pencil eraser. See a dermatologist to evaluate moles larger than 6 mm.
E – Evolving: Visit your dermatologist to evaluate any mole that changes in size, shape, or color. Similarly, visit the doctor for growths that bleed, itch, or develop a crust or scale.
The Bottom Line
Be sun-smart. I tell my patients to enjoy the outdoor sunshine during the summer, but keep the risks in mind. It’s important to understand how to identify skin cancer I encourage everyone to:
- minimize direct midday sun exposure
- apply sunscreen liberally and often
- perform monthly self-exams
- seek medical attention if they notice new or changing moles
As I said above, when caught early, skin cancer is treatable and curable. So…it just makes sense not to delay getting checked out if you see something that concerns you.
Fayne Frey, M.D.
Fayne Frey, M.D., is a board-certified clinical and surgical dermatologist practicing in West Nyack, New York. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and is a nationally recognized expert in the effectiveness and formulation of over-the-counter skincare products. As a speaker, Dr. Frey captivates audiences with her wry observations regarding the skincare industry. She consulted for numerous media outlets, including NBC, USA Today, and, the Huffington Post, and shared her expertise on both cable and major TV outlets. Dr. Frey is the Founder of FryFace.com, an educational skincare information and product selection service website that simplifies the overwhelming choice of effective, safe, and affordable products available. Dr. Frey is a fellow of both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about their answers about skin cancer.
What are the common signs of skin cancer?
Common signs include:
- New growths or sores that don’t heal.
- Changes in an existing mole or spot, such as size, shape, or color.
- Itching, tenderness, or pain in a mole or spot.
- Bleeding or oozing from a mole or sore.
- Unusual changes in the texture of the skin, like scaling or crusting.
Can skin cancer appear as a rash or spot?
Yes, skin cancer can appear as a rash, spot, or sore. These areas don’t always look like a typical mole. For instance, basal cell carcinoma might look like a pearly bump, while squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a red, scaly patch.
Are there different types of skin cancer, and do they look different?
There are several types of skin cancer, each with different appearances:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma often looks like a pearly or waxy bump, sometimes with visible blood vessels or a crusted area.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma can look like a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly crust.
Melanoma
Melanoma can develop as a new dark spot or look like an irregular mole and often has varied colors and uneven borders.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma appears as a fast-growing, painless nodule or lump, usually on sun-exposed skin.
Can skin cancer be detected early?
Yes, you can often find skin cancer early through regular self-exams and professional skin checks. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.
How is skin cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosing skin cancer usually involves a physical exam by your healthcare provider, followed by a biopsy of the suspicious skin area if one is found. Sometimes doctors order imaging tests if the cancer appears to have spread beyond the skin.
What is the treatment if your doctor finds skin cancer?
The treatment will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. It may include:
- Surgical removal of the cancerous tissue.
- Cryotherapy (freezing off the cancer cells).
- Topical chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
- Radiation therapy or other treatments in more advanced cases.
How can skin cancer be prevented?
Though you can’t prevent all types of skin cancer, you can reduce your risk factors. Dermatologists recommend you avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen liberally. Additionally, it’s a good idea to wear protective clothing and hats. Finally avoid tanning beds. It’s important you regularly check your skin for changes and see your physician quickly if you find an area that looks concerning to you.
Disclosure: This article is intended to be educational and not construed as medical advice. Please see your doctor if you have concerns about possible skin cancer.
