{"id":19754,"date":"2025-12-11T11:34:40","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T17:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/?p=19754"},"modified":"2025-12-31T15:42:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T21:42:17","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-skin-cancer-and-how-to-recognize-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-skin-cancer-and-how-to-recognize-it\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer and How to Recognize It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s easy to put off <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/services\/specialties\/cancer\/conditions-treatments\/conditions\/skin\">checking your skin<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 until you notice something that just doesn\u2019t look right. Whether it\u2019s a mole that\u2019s changed or a bump that looks like a skin cancer pimple, understanding the appearance of skin cancer spots can help you identify possible melanoma or other skin cancer.<\/p>\n<p>So, what does skin cancer look like? And how can you tell the difference between a harmless change and a serious concern?<\/p>\n<div class=\"alignright cta\">\n<p>Concerned about a spot on your skin?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/care\">Get care now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What is skin cancer?<\/h2>\n<p>Skin cancer develops when skin cells grow abnormally and form a tumor or lesion.<\/p>\n<p>There are three primary types of skin cancer:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Basal cell carcinoma \u2013 the most common form of skin cancer; typically slow growing<\/li>\n<li>Squamous cell carcinoma \u2013 may look larger and more irritated and form firm, scaly lesions<\/li>\n<li>Melanoma \u2013 less common, but more dangerous because it can spread quickly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you have seen different types of skin cancer pictures, you\u2019ll notice that the appearance varies from person to person and from one area of the body to another.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSkin cancers are common, but we sometimes downplay how serious they can be. We have to be cautious,\u201d said <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/providers\/james-mcgee-1462368\">James McGee, MD<\/a>, president, OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"clear: both;\">What Skin Cancer Looks Like<\/h2>\n<p>Skin cancer can appear in many forms. It may be flat or raised, light or dark, smooth or rough, soft or hard. Your provider evaluates several factors to determine whether a spot is cancerous.<\/p>\n<h3>Basal Cell Carcinoma<\/h3>\n<p>These spots often appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, nose, eyelid, under the eye and on the scalp.<\/p>\n<p>Common signs of basal cell carcinoma include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pearly, shiny or translucent bump<\/li>\n<li>Pink or flesh-colored lesion that won\u2019t heal<\/li>\n<li>Crater-like lesions on skin<\/li>\n<li>Dry, scaly patches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Squamous Cell Carcinoma<\/h3>\n<p>Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) frequently develops on the arms, hands, ears, lips, legs and ankles.<\/p>\n<p>It may look like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rough or thick scaly patch<\/li>\n<li>Hard, raised bump<\/li>\n<li>Spot that bleeds, cracks or becomes tender<\/li>\n<li>Slow-growing sore<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>SCC is commonly firm or hard to the touch, while open sores may feel softer or fragile.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Med-Onc-Melanoma.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20015 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Med-Onc-Melanoma-240x300.png\" alt=\"How to spot signs of Melanoma\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Med-Onc-Melanoma-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Med-Onc-Melanoma-568x710.png 568w, https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Med-Onc-Melanoma-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Med-Onc-Melanoma-800x1000.png 800w, https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Med-Onc-Melanoma-1229x1536.png 1229w, https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Med-Onc-Melanoma.png 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/a>Melanoma<\/h3>\n<p>Melanoma can happen anywhere on your body.<\/p>\n<p>Melanoma\u2019s defining feature is its color variation. These spots may be:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Black<\/li>\n<li>Brown<\/li>\n<li>Red or pink<\/li>\n<li>Blue or white<\/li>\n<li>A mix of multiple colors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While green is rare and often related to infection, white or pale areas can be part of color variation in melanoma or other skin cancers.<\/p>\n<p>A key warning sign is size. What diameter indicates melanoma? Freckles, moles, skin tags and other spots larger than six millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) are more concerning, especially if they are changing.<\/p>\n<h2>When to be Concerned it May be Melanoma<\/h2>\n<p>Melanoma is the skin cancer we worry about most.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMelanoma can be treacherous,\u201d Dr. McGee said.<\/p>\n<p>Any spot that changes in shape, color or size should be checked.<\/p>\n<h3>ABCDEs of Melanoma<\/h3>\n<p>Remember ABCDE when checking your skin for spots.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> Asymmetry. The spot is different on two sides, where one half doesn\u2019t match the other.<br \/>\n<strong>B:<\/strong> Border. The edges of the spot or mole are irregular, jagged or blurry.<br \/>\n<strong>C:<\/strong> Color. The spot seems to be two different shades or is unevenly colored.<br \/>\n<strong>D:<\/strong> Diameter. The spot is larger than a pencil eraser.<br \/>\n<strong>E:<\/strong> Evolving. You\u2019ve kept an eye on the spot, and you have noticed that it has changed in size, shape or color over time.<\/p>\n<p>If you notice a spot that fits the description of any of the ABCDEs, it\u2019s important to have a provider check to see if it\u2019s melanoma.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Places Skin Cancer Develops<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cSkin cancer can develop in any area where there is skin,\u201d Dr. McGee said. \u201cTypically, around sun-exposed areas. Around the ears, nose, arms. But you can see these cancers anywhere on the skin.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sun exposure is a major risk factor, but it is not the only cause, according to Dr. McGee.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGenetics and background can play a role, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body, even in areas that don\u2019t typically see a lot of sun, such as the scalp, under the nails or between folds of skin.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the most common skin cancer locations include:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"columns: 2;\">\n<li>Face and nose<\/li>\n<li>Eyelids and under-eye area<\/li>\n<li>Lips<\/li>\n<li>Ears<\/li>\n<li>Scalp<\/li>\n<li>Arms and hands<\/li>\n<li>Legs and ankles<\/li>\n<li>Chest and breasts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While sun exposure increases risk, skin cancer can also develop in areas you might not expect, such as under nails, on the soles of the feet or in skin creases.<\/p>\n<h2>Skin Cancer in People with Darker Skin<\/h2>\n<p>Black or melanated skin and skin cancer deserves special attention. While overall risk may be lower, it&#8217;s not zero. Melanoma in darker skin tones is often found in less obvious locations, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Palms of the hands<\/li>\n<li>Soles of the feet<\/li>\n<li>Under the nails<\/li>\n<li>Ankles or lower legs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These spots may look like dark streaks, patches or small bumps. Because they\u2019re harder to spot, diagnosis sometimes happens later.<\/p>\n<h2>Skin Cancer vs. Common Skin Conditions<\/h2>\n<p>Many people first notice skin changes and ask whether it is something harmless or serious. Knowing how some of the common skin conditions differ from skin cancer can help you understand which spots to be concerned about.<\/p>\n<h3>Wart vs. Skin Cancer<\/h3>\n<p>Some skin cancers look wart-like, but unlike typical warts, they tend to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Grow steadily<\/li>\n<li>Bleed or crust<\/li>\n<li>Feel firm or tender<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Persistence is a key difference. A wart may go away on its own or with over-the-counter treatments. A wart-like skin cancer spot will stick around and usually continues to grow.<\/p>\n<h3>Rashes and Ring-Shaped Patches<\/h3>\n<p>A circular red patch might be mistaken for ringworm or skin cancer. Ringworm usually itches, has a clearer center and responds to antifungal treatment. Skin cancer that looks like a rash doesn\u2019t have those same characteristics.<\/p>\n<h3>Pimple-Like Bumps<\/h3>\n<p>A skin cancer pimple may:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Not heal after several weeks<\/li>\n<li>Bleed easily<\/li>\n<li>Develop a crater or scab<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Unlike regular acne, it does not go away.<\/p>\n<h3>Cherry Angiomas<\/h3>\n<p>Bright red cherry angiomas are common and benign. They do not turn into cancer, but any red growth that changes quickly should be evaluated.<\/p>\n<h3>Skin Tags<\/h3>\n<p>Skin tags are soft and move easily between your fingers. Cancerous spots are typically firm and fixed in place.<\/p>\n<h3>Birthmarks and Moles<\/h3>\n<p>Longstanding birthmarks usually stay the same. If a mole or mark suddenly changes color, develops uneven edges or starts growing, your provider may recommend a closer look.<\/p>\n<h3>Psoriasis<\/h3>\n<p>Skin cancer vs. psoriasis can be confusing because both can produce thick, scaly patches. Psoriasis usually appears in symmetrical areas and comes and goes, while cancerous patches persist and worsen.<\/p>\n<h3>Age Spots and Sun Spots<\/h3>\n<p>These flat, brown spots are common with aging. Cancer is more likely when the spot:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Elevates<\/li>\n<li>Changes color<\/li>\n<li>Becomes scaly<\/li>\n<li>Looks noticeably different than others<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Bruise-Like Areas<\/h3>\n<p>A bruise fades over days or weeks. A dark patch that doesn\u2019t improve or begins spreading can be a sign of melanoma.<\/p>\n<p>Any spot that behaves differently than the rest of your skin deserves attention.<\/p>\n<h3>Texture and Feel: Hard or Soft?<\/h3>\n<p>Skin cancer can feel:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hard and raised (often SCC)<\/li>\n<li>Soft or fragile if it ulcerates<\/li>\n<li>Rough or scaly<\/li>\n<li>Tender to the touch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Texture alone isn\u2019t a diagnosis, but a change in how it feels is important to note.<\/p>\n<h2>What to Do If You&#8217;re Concerned<\/h2>\n<p>If something looks or feels off, don\u2019t ignore it. Here\u2019s what can help:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Take pictures over time to monitor changes<\/li>\n<li>Share your family history with your doctor<\/li>\n<li>Ask whether you need a biopsy or routine monitoring<\/li>\n<li>Follow your care team\u2019s guidance on sun protection and prevention<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If something looks new or unusual, it\u2019s always worth getting checked.<\/p>\n<h2>When to Get a Skin Spot Checked<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s time to schedule an evaluation if you notice:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A spot that grows or changes<\/li>\n<li>A sore that won\u2019t heal<\/li>\n<li>A new patch of rough, dry skin<\/li>\n<li>A mole with changing color patterns<\/li>\n<li>Any spot that bleeds or crusts<\/li>\n<li>A lesion that looks different than anything else on your body<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Early evaluation and wearing sun protection are the best ways to protect your skin and your health.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCatching cancer early increases chances that it will be cured. It also reduces the expense of treatment,\u201d Dr. McGee said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s easy to put off checking your skin\u00a0\u2013 until you notice something that just doesn\u2019t look right. Whether it\u2019s a mole that\u2019s changed or a bump that looks like a skin cancer pimple, understanding the appearance of skin cancer spots can help you identify possible melanoma or other skin cancer. So, what does skin cancer [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":122,"featured_media":19756,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[101,735],"tags":[805,1187,80],"coauthors":[1051],"class_list":["post-19754","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cancer","category-preventive-health","tag-cancer-screening","tag-melanoma","tag-skin-cancer"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What does skin cancer look like?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Skin cancer is very common, but it can be very treatable when caught early. 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