Skin Changes That Could Be A Sign Of Cancer

What springs to mind when you think of classic skin cancer symptoms? If it’s mole changes you’re certainly not alone.

And while keeping an eye on your moles is very sensible (the ABCDE method is a useful way to determine if a mole might be melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer), it’s also worth being aware of other skin changes that could flag cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer – roughly three in 10 people with fair skin will develop it, according to the British Skin Foundation (BSF). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), meanwhile, is second most common.

BCC and SCC can occur anywhere on the body but are usually found on areas which are frequently exposed to sun – think the face, head, ears, neck, back of hands, scalp, and bottom of the legs.

The British Skin Foundation and Skin Cancer Foundation suggest BCC and SCC can appear as:

• A scab or open sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal.
• A pink, red or pearly-looking lump on the skin which doesn’t go away.
• A small pink growth with a slightly raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the middle.
• Scaly pink or red flat marks on the skin (these patches might look darker on black or brown skin, the NHS notes).

The sooner you get it checked, the better, as skin cancer is easier to treat when it’s flagged earlier.

SCC has similar symptoms to BCC. The Skin Cancer Foundation says this type of cancer can look like:

• A wart-like growth that crusts and might also bleed.
• An open sore that bleeds or crusts and doesn’t heal.
• A scaly red patch with irregular borders (which can also go crusty and bleed).
• A growth with a dent/depression in the middle that might also bleed.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that can appear anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on men’s backs and women’s legs.

It starts in cells in the skin called melanocyte and can develop from existing moles, but in 70% of cases appears as new marks on the skin.

This type of cancer can prove deadly – UK deaths from melanoma skin cancer have risen by 150% since the 1970s, according to Cancer Research UK.

The most common symptom of melanoma is a new mole or changes to an existing mole. In most cases, melanomas have an irregular shape and are more than one colour.

It’s helpful to remember the A-B-C-D-E rule when assessing your moles. Take note if there is:

Asymmetry: the two halves of the area differ in shape.

Border: the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches.

Colour: this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen.

Diameter: most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter. They tend to be larger than your other moles and can sometimes be itchy or bleed.

Evolution: your mole changes size, shape or colour.

If you’ve spotted any skin changes that look suspicious, book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible, who can refer you to a specialist if they suspect you have skin cancer.