What does skin cancer look like?

One of the biggest misconceptions about skin cancer is that it always looks the same. Many people expect to suddenly find a large, dark or obviously abnormal lesion, but skin cancers can appear in a variety of ways. Some are brown or black, while others are pink, red or skin-coloured.

Changes are often more important than appearance

Rather than focusing on appearance, it’s often more useful to pay attention to change. A new lesion that appears and doesn’t go away, or an existing mole that changes in size, shape or colour, should be checked. Many skin cancers are identified because they behave differently from the surrounding skin.

Common warning signs

Irregular borders, multiple colours within the same lesion, persistent bleeding, crusting, ulceration or a sore that fails to heal don’t necessarily mean skin cancer but are red flags which should prompt investigation. Some skin cancers develop as rough patches of skin, while others appear as shiny bumps or flat pigmented areas.

Why comparing lesions online can be misleading

Many people search online for images of skin cancer and compare them with their own skin which can be misleading. Skin cancers vary considerably between individuals, skin types and body locations. A harmless lesion may appear alarming in a photograph, while an early skin cancer may appear quite subtle.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can develop skin cancer although the risk increases with age and cumulative sun exposure. Fair skin, a history of sunburn, extensive sun exposure and a family history of skin cancer can all increase risk but no-one should assume they are completely protected.

Final thoughts

Skin cancer doesn’t have one characteristic appearance. The most important signs are often change, persistence and behaviour that differs from the surrounding skin. If you notice a new lesion or a mole that appears unusual, seeking professional advice is always preferable to relying on Dr Google or social media.