Skin cancer: the warning signs

The first sign of a skin cancer is usually:

  • a spot, mole or freckle that has changed in colour, shape or size;
  • a new spot that’s different from other spots on the skin in that area; or
  • a sore that doesn’t heal.
dysplastic naevi

Dysplastic naevi

  • Not skin cancer, but a warning that you may be more prone to a melanoma.
  • Often larger moles which usually have irregular patterns and borders and uneven colour (shades of brown and sometimes pink).
solar keratoses

Solar keratoses or sunspots

  • Not skin cancer, but a warning that you may be more prone to developing skin cancer.
  • Characterised by red, flattish, scaling dry skin which may sting if scratched.
  • Appear on sun-exposed skin such as the face and hands.
solar keratoses
freckles

Freckles and moles

  • Freckles are usually harmless brown spots that occur on sun-exposed sites. Any freckle that changes in size, shape or colour should be seen by a doctor.
  • Moles are flat or raised lesions usually with a single colour or only a few shades of brown. They are often regular in shape (oval or round).
  • If a mole changes in shape, size or colour see your doctor immediately.
seborrhoeic keratoses

Seborrhoeic keratoses

  • By the age of 60, most people have at least one or 2.
  • They have a very discrete edge and frequently sit up on top of the skin.
  • Colour varies from pale skin through to brown or black.
  • Size varies from a few millimetres to 2 cm.

Skin cancers don’t all look the same. The cancer can start as a smooth, pale or red lump, or it can be like a black mole. It can be dry, flat and scaly. It may bleed or develop a crust. If you notice a new lump or mole, or a change in one you already have, see a doctor — even if the lump or mole doesn’t hurt. Most skin cancers don’t hurt.

It probably won’t be cancer — but it’s best to be sure. For further information and advice, call the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20.


 

myDr, 2001. Reproduced with the kind permission of The Cancer Council New South Wales.
©Copyright: myDr, UBM Medica Australia, 2000-2012. All rights reserved.


Last Reviewed: 01 August 2006

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