Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

This is the second article in the Understanding Skin Cancer Guide. This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on May 14, 2026

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells of the skin, causing them to grow and multiply too fast. This forms a tumor or abnormal growth.

These changes often cause the first signs and symptoms of skin cancer. "Signs" are things that can be measured by tests, like a new spot on the skin. "Symptoms" are things you feel in your body, like itching or pain.

It is important to know that skin cancer does not always look the same, and not every abnormal skin change is cancer. However, any new, changing, or unusual growth on the skin should be evaluated by a doctor. When caught early, most skin cancers are highly treatable.

Remember: Many skin changes are caused by conditions other than cancer, such as benign moles, eczema, or psoriasis. If you notice any changes to your skin, talk to your doctor.

What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer?

Signs of basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

• A pearly or waxy bump, often on the face, ears, or neck
• A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion on the chest or back
• A bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and then returns
• A pink growth with raised edges and a crusted center

Signs of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

• A firm, red nodule on the face, lips, ears, neck, hands, or arms
• A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
• A new sore or raised area on an old scar
• A rough, scaly patch on the lip
• A red sore or rough patch inside the mouth
• A wart-like sore on or around the genitals or anus

Signs of melanoma - the ABCDEs

Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, including areas not exposed to the sun. Dermatologists use the ABCDE rule to help identify warning signs:

• A - Asymmetry. One half of the mole or spot does not match the other half
• B - Border. The edges are irregular, ragged, noticed, or blurred
• C - Color. The color is not uniform and may include different shades of brown or black, or patches of pink, red, white, or blue
• D - Diameter. The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller
• E - Evolving. The mole or skin lesion is changing in size, shape, or color, or is new

Other melanoma warning signs include:

• A sore that does not heal
• Spread of pigment from the border of a spot into surrounding skin
• Redness or a new swelling beyond the border of a mole
• Itching, tenderness, or pain in a mole
• A change in the surface of a mole such as oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a bump

Signs of less common skin cancers

• Merkel cell carcinoma often appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, often on the face, head, or neck
• Cutaneous lymphoma can appear as a rash, patches, plaques, or tumors on the skin that may be mistaken for eczema or psoriasis

Symptoms that may indicate spread

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin
• Bone pain (a possible sign of spread to the bones in advanced disease)
• Persistent fatigue or unexplained weight loss

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, or notice any changes to your health that concern you, the most important thing you can do is talk to your doctor. 

Many of these changes have causes other than cancer, but getting checked is always the right step. And finding skin cancer before it spreads gives you the best chance of successful treatment.