The signs of skin cancer

The images and descriptions below may help you identify the signs of skin cancer, and the signs of non-cancerous skin spots.

Learn more about:

• The signs of non-melanoma skin cancer
• What about other skin spots?
• The signs of non-cancerous skin spots

The signs of non-melanoma skin cancer

	Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) develops on areas that get more sun exposure, such as the head, face, neck, shoulders, lower arms and legs, but can occur anywhere on the body may appear as a pearl-coloured lump or slightly scaly area that is shiny and pale or bright pink; some appear darker the skin may break down (ulcerate), bleed and become inflamed; may appear to heal then become inflamed again
	Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) usually appears on parts of the body most often exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, hands, forearms and lower legs, but can start anywhere often appears as a thickened, red, scaly or crusted spot or rapidly growing lump may bleed and become inflamed, and is often tender to touch

What about other skin spots?

Some spots that appear on the skin are not cancerous. If you are concerned about any mark or growth on your skin, see your general practitioner (GP).

Sunspots (actinic or solar keratoses)

Sunspots occur more often in people over 40, but anyone can develop them. They usually appear on skin that’s frequently exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, hands, forearms and legs. Sunspots are a warning sign that the skin has had too much sun exposure. Very rarely sunspots may develop into SCC.

Moles (naevi) 

A mole (naevus) is a normal skin growth that develops when melanocytes grow in groups. Moles are very common. Some people have many moles on their body – this can run in families. Overexposure to the sun, especially in childhood, can also increase the number of moles. People with large numbers of normal moles can have a higher risk of melanoma.

Dysplastic naevi

People with many irregular moles (dysplastic naevi) have a greater risk of developing melanoma. This risk increases with the number of moles that a person has.

Age spots (seborrhoeic keratoses)

These very common skin growths can occur anywhere except the palms and soles. They may look similar to a skin cancer or sunspot. They may be itchy and may bleed if scratched.

The signs of non-cancerous skin spots

	Sunspot flat, scaly spot that feels rough; often the colour of your skin or red can be easily scratched off but will return in a few days may develop into skin cancer
	Mole brown, black or the same colour as your skin; usually round or oval harmless
	Dysplastic naevus mole with an irregular shape and uneven colour may develop into skin cancer
	Age spot raised warty area on the skin that feels rough light to very dark brown in colour harmless