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What
Skin Cancer Looks Like
The most common warning sign
of skin cancer is a change to your skin. This change
can take many different forms, including:
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Translucent pearl-shaped growth
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Mole that has begun to grow, bleed,
and/or itch
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Mole with any of these features:
Asymmetrical
(if lesion were folded in half, the two sides would not match),
Borders
irregular, Color
varies, or Diameter
greater than 6 mm (size of a pencil eraser). While melanomas are
usually greater than 6 millimeters in diameter when diagnosed, they
can be smaller. If you notice a mole different from others, or one
that changes, itches, or bleeds even if it is smaller than 6
millimeters, be sure to see a dermatologist.
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Brown or black streak underneath a nail
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Sore that repeatedly heals and reopens
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Smooth, waxy lesion
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Cluster of slow growing, shiny or scaly
lesions that are pink or red
To help you recognize the many
different forms that skin cancer may take, the links below take you
to pages that describe the most common types of skin cancer and show
several photographs of each.
If you notice a lesion on your skin that resembles any of examples
shown on these pages, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Don’t delay. The cure
rate for skin cancer is 95% only when it is detected and properly
treated in the early stages.
Warning: Some of the photographs shown on the following pages
depict advanced forms of skin cancer that some may find disturbing.
Visual Guides
Basal Cell Carcinoma: What it Looks Like
Melanoma: What it Looks Like
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: What it Looks Like
An educational program brought to you by the American Academy of
Dermatology. |
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Regular self-examinations of your skin are key to early
detection of skin cancer. If you have never examined
your skin for cancer, getting a free skin cancer
screening can be helpful. During the screening, you will
be checked for signs of skin cancer and taught how to
examine your own skin.
These free screenings are part of a national initiative
sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
to raise awareness of skin cancer and encourage
Americans to begin a lifelong habit of regular skin
self-examinations.
Since
1985, dermatologists have volunteered to conduct more than
1.8 million free skin cancer screenings.
To
find a screening near you, visit
Free Skin Cancer Screening Program. |
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