Skin Cancer Signs: What to Look for and When to See a Dermatologist

What Are the Early Signs of Skin Cancer?

One of the most important things to watch for is change.

A spot does not necessarily need to look dramatic to deserve attention. Skin cancer can sometimes resemble an ordinary mole, pimple, scar, or dry patch.

Common warning signs of skin cancer may include:

• A new or unusual mole or growth

• A mole that changes in size, shape, or colour

• A spot that looks different from other spots on your skin

• A sore that does not heal

• A lesion that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, heals, and returns

• A persistent red or scaly patch

• A shiny, pearly, or firm bump

• A wart-like growth

• An unexplained scar-like area

• A spot that becomes itchy, tender, or painful

Many non-cancerous skin conditions can cause similar changes. A dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional can assess a suspicious lesion and determine whether additional testing is necessary.  

Melanoma Signs: Know the ABCDE Rule

When checking your moles, the ABCDE rule for melanoma is an easy way to remember several characteristics that may warrant further assessment.

A: Asymmetry

One half of the mole does not have the same shape as the other half.

B: Border

The edges may appear irregular, jagged, notched, or blurry rather than smooth and clearly defined.

C: Colour

The colour may not be consistent throughout the mole. A suspicious lesion can contain different shades, including brown, black, red, pink, blue, grey, or white.

D: Diameter

A mole larger than approximately 6 mm across can be a warning sign. However, melanoma can also be smaller, so diameter should not be considered on its own.

E: Evolution

Evolution refers to a mole or lesion that changes over time. This can include changes in its size, shape, colour, height, appearance, or sensation.

A changing mole is one of the most common signs associated with melanoma. The Canadian Dermatology Association encourages people to use the ABCDEs when checking their skin and to have suspicious changes assessed.  

What Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Look Like?

Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is the most common form of skin cancer in Canada. It commonly develops on areas exposed to the sun, including the face, scalp, ears, neck, arms, and legs, although it can occur elsewhere.  

Signs of basal cell carcinoma can include:

• A shiny or pearly bump

• A flesh-coloured or slightly pink growth

• A red or scaly patch

• A white or scar-like area without a known injury

• A sore that bleeds, crusts, heals, and then returns

• A lesion with visible small blood vessels

• A persistent sore that does not heal

The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends having a sore that has not healed within four weeks examined by a physician or dermatologist.  

What Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Look Like?

Squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC, is another common type of skin cancer. It frequently develops on areas that receive significant sun exposure, such as the face, head, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and backs of the hands.  

Signs of squamous cell carcinoma may include:

• A thick, red, scaly bump

• A rough or scaly patch

• A wart-like growth

• A crusted lesion

• An open sore that does not heal

• A growth that bleeds easily

• A lesion that becomes painful or tender

Squamous cell carcinoma can grow over weeks or months, which makes monitoring changes in your skin particularly important.  

Where Should You Check for Skin Cancer?

A skin self-exam should include more than the areas you see every day.

Check your skin from head to toe, including your:

• Face, ears, and neck

• Scalp

• Chest and abdomen

• Back and shoulders

• Arms and underarms

• Hands, palms, and between the fingers

• Fingernails

• Legs

• Feet and soles of the feet

• Between the toes

• Toenails

Melanoma can develop in areas that are not regularly exposed to the sun, so a complete skin check is important. The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends using mirrors to examine difficult-to-see areas such as the back, scalp, and backs of the legs.  

How Often Should You Check Your Skin?

Getting familiar with your skin can make it easier to recognize a new mole, changing mole, suspicious skin lesion, or non-healing sore.

When performing a skin self-exam, look for anything that has appeared or changed since your previous check. Taking photographs of moles or spots can also help you monitor visible changes over time.

A self-exam cannot diagnose skin cancer. Its purpose is to help you identify changes that may need professional assessment.

Who Is at Risk for Skin Cancer?

Anyone can develop skin cancer. Risk can be influenced by factors including UV exposure, indoor tanning, history of sunburns, skin type, age, immune status, and personal history of skin cancer. Skin cancer can occur across different skin tones, and melanoma can occur on areas such as the palms, soles, and underneath the nails.  

Protecting your skin from excessive ultraviolet radiation remains an important part of skin cancer prevention.

When Should You See a Dermatologist About a Mole or Skin Lesion?

Consider having a spot professionally assessed if you notice a new, changing, bleeding, crusting, painful, or non-healing lesion.

You should also seek assessment if a mole begins changing in colour, shape, size, or appearance, or if you simply notice a spot that concerns you.

It is not possible to determine whether a lesion is cancerous based on appearance alone. If necessary, a healthcare professional can determine whether further examination or testing is appropriate.

Skin Cancer Checks in Oakville and Hamilton

If you have noticed a suspicious mole, changing skin lesion, or other potential sign of skin cancer, professional assessment can help determine the appropriate next steps.

At SURFACE Dermatology Clinic in Oakville and SUR by SURFACE in Hamilton, our dermatology team assesses a range of skin concerns, including suspicious moles and lesions.

If something on your skin is new, changing, or simply does not look right, do not ignore it.

Contact our team to learn more about skin assessments in Oakville and Hamilton.

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