Skin Cancer Signs: What to Watch For and When to Act

When it comes to skin cancer, a group of abnormal cell growths in the skin that can spread if untreated. Also known as cutaneous malignancy, it’s the most common type of cancer in the U.S.—and one of the most preventable if caught early. Most cases show up as changes on your skin that don’t go away. Not every mole is dangerous, but some changes are warning signs you can’t ignore.

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer that starts in pigment-producing cells often appears as a new dark spot or a changing mole. The ABCDE rule helps: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, Color that’s uneven, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving size, shape, or color over weeks. But not all skin cancers look like this. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type, often looks like a pearly bump or a sore that won’t heal. Squamous cell carcinoma, another common type, shows up as a scaly red patch, open sore, or raised growth with a central depression. These can look like eczema, a pimple, or a scar—until they start bleeding, crusting, or growing.

UV damage from the sun or tanning beds is the main cause, but genetics and skin type matter too. People with fair skin, lots of moles, or a family history are at higher risk. But even darker skin tones get skin cancer—often on palms, soles, or under nails. That’s why checking your whole body matters, not just your face or arms. A spot that itches, burns, or bleeds for no reason needs a look. So does a new growth that keeps coming back after you try to scrape it off.

You don’t need to be a doctor to spot trouble. Just know your skin. Take a photo of a weird mole once a month. Compare. If it changes, see someone. Early detection cuts death rates by over 90%. That’s not a guess—it’s from the American Academy of Dermatology. The posts below cover what real patients have seen, what medications can mimic skin cancer signs, how certain drugs affect your skin’s response to sunlight, and how to tell the difference between harmless rashes and something serious. This isn’t about scaring you. It’s about giving you the facts so you can act before it’s too late.