This visual guide is for educational purposes and can help you understand what suspicious spots on your skin might look like. The information provided should not be used to self-diagnose. If you have any new, changing, or concerning spots, schedule an examination with a qualified dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Identifying Melanoma Characteristics
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer, but early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. A helpful method for identifying potential melanomas is the ABCDE rule, which outlines five key characteristics to look for in skin spots. This system is a guide to help you recognize the warning signs of melanoma.
Asymmetry
A benign, or non-cancerous, mole is symmetrical, meaning if you were to draw a line down the middle, both halves would look the same. Melanomas are often asymmetrical, where one half of the spot does not match the other. The irregular growth pattern of melanoma cells often leads to this lack of symmetry.
Border
Non-cancerous moles have smooth, well-defined borders. In contrast, melanomas often have irregular, notched, or scalloped edges. The border might appear blurry or poorly defined, seeming to spread into the surrounding skin. This irregularity is a result of the uncontrolled growth of the cancer cells.
Color
Harmless moles are a single, uniform shade of brown, tan, or black. A suspicious spot may contain multiple colors or an uneven distribution of color. You might see different shades of brown, tan, or black, and as it grows, patches of red, white, or blue may appear. This variation in color is a warning sign that should be evaluated by a doctor.
Diameter
The size of a skin spot is another factor to consider, although it is not definitive on its own. Melanomas are often larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) in diameter. However, they can be smaller, especially in their early stages. A new spot or one that is increasing in size should be examined by a healthcare professional.
Evolving
Any change in a mole’s appearance over time is a warning sign. This evolution can include changes in size, shape, color, or elevation. A spot that starts to itch, bleed, or become crusty may also be a sign of melanoma. It is helpful to be familiar with your skin to note any new or changing lesions.
Recognizing Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers
Beyond melanoma, there are other more common types of skin cancer. The two most frequent forms are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These non-melanoma skin cancers tend to develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin, like the face, neck, and arms. While less aggressive than melanoma, early detection and treatment are important.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It often appears as a small, pearly or waxy bump, which may be pink, red, or translucent, and can have blue, brown, or black areas. Another presentation is a flat, scar-like lesion that is flesh-colored or yellowish. BCCs can also look like a sore that bleeds, crusts over, and fails to heal, or heals and then returns. While BCC is slow-growing and unlikely to spread, it can invade nearby tissues and bone if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It often appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. It can also look like a wart-like growth or an open sore with raised edges and a depressed center. These lesions may develop from actinic keratoses, which are rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin. While most common on sun-exposed areas, SCC can occur anywhere and has a higher potential to spread than basal cell carcinoma.
Differentiating from Benign Skin Spots
Many common skin growths are harmless, and knowing what they look like can provide context. A common mole, or nevus, is a benign growth that can be flat or raised and usually appears during childhood and young adulthood. It is uncommon to develop new, benign moles later in adult life.
Seborrheic keratoses are another frequent benign growth, often called ‘age spots,’ and are common in middle-aged and older adults. They have a waxy, scaly, and slightly elevated appearance. Their color can range from light tan to black, and they may look as if they have been ‘pasted’ onto the skin.
Cherry angiomas are small, bright red bumps made of blood vessels that can appear almost anywhere on the body. They are typically smooth and circular. These spots are common with age and are not a cause for concern.
Conducting a Skin Self-Examination
Regularly checking your own skin is a proactive step in detecting potential skin cancers early. Performing a self-exam once a month can help you become familiar with the pattern of moles and other marks on your body, making it easier to notice any changes. For a thorough examination, you will need a well-lit room, a full-length mirror, and a hand-held mirror.
Begin by examining your front and back in the full-length mirror, then check your right and left sides with your arms raised. Carefully inspect your underarms, forearms, the tops and palms of your hands, and in between your fingers and under your fingernails.
Next, sit down to check your legs, including the fronts and backs of your thighs, your calves, and the tops and soles of your feet. Use the hand-held mirror to get a clear view of areas that are difficult to see, such as the back of your neck and your scalp. A comb can help part your hair to inspect your scalp more closely.
It is also important to check your back and buttocks using the hand-held mirror. If you notice any new spots, spots that differ from others, or spots that are changing, itching, or bleeding, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.