The Overlooked Signs of Skin Cancer and When to See a Professional
Skin cancer doesn't always announce itself with dramatic changes. In fact, the early signs of skin cancer can be so subtle, like a small sore that won't heal or a new spot that looks slightly different, so many people brush them off as harmless. Unfortunately, these minor changes can signal something far more serious beneath the surface.
With skin cancer cases on the rise, increasing skin cancer awareness is more critical than ever. Knowing what to look for can help you catch potential issues early and seek the proper care before things progress.
Keep reading to learn about the often-overlooked signs of skin cancer and when it's time to consult a professional.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the U.S., with about 1 in 5 people developing it by the age of 70. It occurs when abnormal cells in the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis, grow uncontrollably due to DNA damage that leads to mutations.
What makes skin cancer especially tricky is that it can look different from person to person. Factors like skin tone, the type and size of the skin cancer, and its location on the body influence how it appears. That's why paying attention to even the slightest changes in your skin is so important.
Early detection plays a critical role in preventing the spread of skin cancer and increases the chances of successful treatment. Depending on the type and stage, treatment options may include surgical removal, radiation therapy, topical medications, or more advanced approaches like immunotherapy.
Causes of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can be caused by a mix of factors, from lifestyle habits to genetics. Here are some of the most common causes:
Age
The older you get, the higher your chances of getting skin cancer, especially non-melanoma types. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people diagnosed with skin cancer are over 65 years old. Melanoma, the most serious kind, is also more common in adults between 65 and 74, but younger people can get it too.
Sun Exposure
Spending too much time in the sun is the number one cause of skin cancer. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin cells and cause problems years later. Even short bursts of intense sun that lead to sunburn can raise your risk over time.
Tanning Beds
Tanning beds might give you a quick glow, but come with serious risks. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says indoor tanning can raise your chances of squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%. If you use tanning beds before age 20, your risk of melanoma goes up by 47%, and it gets worse the more you use them.
Previous Skin Cancer
If you've had skin cancer before, you're more likely to get it again than someone who hasn't. This is usually because of ongoing sun exposure, which continues to damage your skin. It doesn't mean you'll get another one, but it's a good reason to stay alert and protect your skin.
Family History of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer doesn't always run in families, but having relatives with it can raise your risk. If your parents had squamous cell cancer or if someone in your family had melanoma, you might be more likely to develop certain types. In fact, about 1 in 10 people with melanoma have a close relative who's also had it, like a parent, sibling, or child.
What Skin Cancer Looks Like
Skin cancer can appear in many different ways, making it tricky to recognize at first glance. That's why knowing what to look for is so important. The ABCDE rule is a simple guide to help you spot unusual moles or skin changes that could be early signs of skin cancer.
A = Asymmetry - One half of the mole doesn't match the other. If it looks uneven or oddly shaped, it's worth getting checked.
B = Border—Watch out for blurry, jagged, or unclear edges. Healthy moles usually have smooth, regular borders.
C = Color—A mole with more than one color, such as brown, black, red, or even blue, could be a sign of skin cancer.
D = Diameter - If the spot is larger than a pencil eraser (about 6mm), it might be something to monitor, especially if it's growing.
E = Evolution - This is the most important sign. If the mole changes in size, shape, or color, or starts to itch, bleed, or crust, it's time to see a doctor.
If you notice any of these signs or have a mole that just doesn't feel right, don't ignore it. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider so they may refer you to a dermatologist for a closer look.
Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer comes in several forms, with some being more common and others rarer. Knowing the different types can help with early detection and proper treatment. Here's a quick look at the primary and less common types.
Primary Types:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, with about 3.6 million cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. It usually appears on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, and back and develops from the skin's basal cells. While BCCs rarely spread, they can grow deep and become destructive if not treated early.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, with an estimated 1.8 million new cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. It commonly forms on areas that show signs of sun damage, like the scalp, face, and hands. SCC can grow quickly and, if left untreated, may spread to other body parts.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it can spread quickly if not caught early. This year, specialists expect over 212,000 new cases in the U.S., including invasive and noninvasive forms. Though melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, early detection and treatment can significantly improve survival rates.
Other Types (Rare):
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that often appears as painless lumps on sun-exposed areas. Doctors in the U.S. diagnose about 3,000 cases each year, with around 700 resulting in death, and experts expect these numbers to rise.
Kaposi Sarcoma
Kaposi sarcoma is a rare cancer that causes purple or red patches on the skin or inside the body. It's linked to the HHV-8 virus and mostly affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.
Sebaceous Carcinoma
This rare cancer starts in the skin's oil glands and can look like a pimple, often on the eyelids. Because it's aggressive and may return after treatment, doctors commonly use Mohs surgery to remove it completely.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP)
DFSP is a rare, slow-growing cancer that starts in the middle layer of the skin. While it rarely spreads, it can come back after treatment and often forms in areas with previous skin trauma, like burns or scars.
Skin Cancer Symptoms
Early signs of skin cancer can be tricky to spot because it often has no symptoms in the beginning. However, you should have a doctor check any new or changing spots on your skin that last more than two weeks.
Common signs and symptoms of skin cancer include:
A new spot appears on the skin
An existing spot changes in size, shape, or color
A spot becomes itchy or painful
A sore that doesn't heal, bleeds, or form a crust
A shiny bump that's red or skin-colored
A rough, red, or scaly patch that can be felt
A growth with a raised edge and crusting or bleeding in the center
A growth that looks like a wart
A scar-like patch with unclear borders
Skin Cancer Stages
Skin cancer stages describe how far the cancer has spread in your body. The higher the stage, the more serious the condition.
Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (like basal or squamous cell cancers) are staged differently, but both follow the same general idea—early stages are easier to treat, while later stages are more advanced.
Melanoma Stages
Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ): The melanoma is only on the top layer of the skin.
Stage 1: It's still small, hasn't spread, and is usually curable with surgery.
Stage 2: The cancer hasn't spread, but it has features that make it more likely to come back.
Stage 3: The melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes or nearby areas of skin.
Stage 4: The melanoma has spread to other body parts, like distant skin, lymph nodes, or organs.
Non-Melanoma Stages
Stage 0: The cancer is only in the outermost layer of the skin.
Stage 1: It has grown into the top and middle layers of skin.
Stage 2: It's deeper and may involve nerves or lower skin layers.
Stage 3: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 4: The cancer has spread to organs like the lungs, liver, or brain.
Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Skin cancer awareness is key to early detection and successful treatment. Here is how doctors diagnose skin cancer:
Physical exam: A doctor examines your skin for unusual growths or changes in existing moles.
Biopsy: If the doctor finds something suspicious, they will remove a small sample of tissue for lab testing to check for cancer cells.
Staging Test: If doctors suspect cancer has spread, they may perform additional tests to determine its cancer's guide treatment decisions. These include:
Imaging tests: These tests use imaging technology, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to determine whether the cancer has spread.
Lymph node biopsy: If there is concern that the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, a small tissue sample may be taken from one or more lymph nodes for testing.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Skin cancer treatment options vary depending on the type of skin cancer, its stage, and individual factors such as age and overall health. Some standard treatment methods include:
Skin Creams: Specialists use skin creams containing topical chemotherapy or immunotherapy agents to treat certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and actinic keratoses.
Curettage and Electrodessication: This method removes the top layer of skin cancer with a curet, followed by searing the base with an electric needle.
Photodynamic Therapy: This two-step treatment uses a medicine called a photosensitizer, and doctors activate it with light to kill cancer cells.
Mohs Surgery: This surgical technique removes skin cancer by removing one layer of tissue at a time and examining it under a microscope until all cancer cells are gone.
Radiation Therapy: In this treatment, high-energy X-rays destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is often used for skin cancers that surgery cannot easily remove.
Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to kill or stop cancer cells from growing. Doctors typically use it to treat advanced skin cancers that have spread to other body parts.
Targeted therapy: Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy targets cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
Immunotherapy: This therapy harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. It can be effective in treating advanced skin cancers, such as melanoma.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Prevention is always better than a cure, and this holds for skin cancer as well. Here are some tips to help prevent skin cancer:
Avoid the Sun During Peak Hours: The sun's rays are intense between 10 AM and 4 PM. It is best to limit your time in direct sunlight during these hours.
Wear Protective Clothing: When you need to be outside during peak hours, wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Apply Sunscreen Regularly: Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Seek Shade: If possible, avoid direct sunlight by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter.
Avoid Tanning Beds and Lamps: Ultraviolet radiation from tanning beds and lamps can also increase your risk of skin cancer. It is best to avoid them altogether.
Examine Your Skin Regularly: Check your skin regularly for changes, such as new moles or spots. If you notice anything unusual, consult a dermatologist.
Conclusion
Staying informed about the early signs of skin cancer can truly save lives. Even the smallest change in your skin deserves attention, and building your skin cancer awareness empowers you to take action early and protect your health.
At Provenance Aesthetics & Wellness, we’re dedicated to helping you feel confident and supported on your skincare journey.
Take the next step in protecting your skin—shop our selection of high-quality sunscreens, now 15% off for the entire month. Visit our clinic today and safeguard your skin with the care it deserves!
FAQs
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If you spot a new skin growth, a changing mole, or a sore that won't heal, it's time to see a dermatologist.
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Look out for itchy, bleeding, or oddly shaped spots and anything that stands out or looks different from other marks on your skin.
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Yes—if left untreated, it can spread to other body parts through the blood or lymph nodes.
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Most cases are curable when found early, with melanoma having a 98% survival rate before it spreads.