Signs and symptoms of skin cancer
Skin cancer symptoms
If you notice anything unusual on your skin, always make an appointment to show the area to your GP. This could include:
- a new or changing mole
- any other unusual or unexplained skin changes
- an itch or sore that will not go away.
It might help to take a photograph of anything unusual, so you can check for any changes. Remember that there are many other skin conditions that are not cancer, especially in older people.
If you have black or brown skin, some skin cancer symptoms may be less obvious. Make an appointment with your GP if:
- you notice any changes
- have a skin sore that will not heal.
Related pages
Mole changes
A change in the shape, colour or size of a mole is usually the first sign of a type of skin cancer called melanoma.
Tell your GP if you have a new mole . Or if a mole you already have
- is uneven or irregular in shape
- has uneven or bumpy edges
- is more than 1 colour
- is more than 6mm wide
- changes in size, shape or colour, tingles, itches or bleeds, or is crusty.
Mole changes
Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer type in the UK. It is more likely to develop on skin that is regularly exposed to the sun, especially on the face, head and neck.
A BCC might have some of these features:
- a smooth, firm lump that may be pearly, pink, red, brown or black – on black or brown skin, it is more likely to be pearly, brown or black
- a lump that is sunken in the middle like a crater
- a flat patch of scaly, crusty or irritated skin
- a scar-like area of pale, shiny skin.
BCCs are usually painless. But they can sometimes be itchy or bleed. Over time, a BCC may develop into an open sore that does not heal.
Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer type in the UK. SCCs usually develop in areas of skin that have been damaged by sun exposure, such as the:
- face
- neck
- scalp
- shoulders
- arms
- backs of hands
- lower legs.
But they can occur in other areas, particularly areas of skin where there has been long-term scarring or inflammation – for example, after a burn.
An SCC might have some of these features:
- a scaly, raised, rough area of skin
- a lump that may look pink or red – on black or brown skin, it is more likely to be brown or black
- a hard, crusty scab.
SCCs may feel tender or bleed easily.
Worried about skin cancer?
If you are worried about skin cancer and would like to talk to someone, we're here. You can:
- Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000.
- Chat to our specialists online.
- Visit our Online Community skin cancer forum to talk with people who have been affected by skin cancer and share your experience.
About our information
-
References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our skin cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
Keohane SG, Botting J, Budny PG, et al. British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for the management of people with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma 2020. The British Journal of Dermatology. 2021;184(3): 401–414. Available from www.doi.org/10.1111/bjd.19621 [accessed May 2024].
Nasr I, McGrath EJ, Harwood CA, et al. British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for the management of adults with basal cell carcinoma 2021. The British Journal of Dermatology. 2021;185(5): 899–920. Available from www.doi.org/10.1111/bjd.20524 [accessed May 2024].
Sharma A, Birnie AJ, Bordea C, et al. British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for the management of people with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen disease) 2022. The British Journal of Dermatology. 2023;188(2): 186–194. Available from: www.doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljac042 [accessed May 2024].
-
Reviewers
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer. It has been approved by Senior Medical Editor, Professor Samra Turajlic, Consultant Medical Oncologist.
With thanks to: Dr Stephanie Arnold, Consultant; Kerry Jane Bate, Advanced Nurse Practitioner; Dr Philippa Closier, Clinical Oncologist; Sharon Cowell-Smith, Macmillan Advanced Nurse Practitioner Skin Cancers; and Dr Benjamin Shum, Medical Oncologist.
Thanks also to the other professionals and people affected by cancer who reviewed this edition, and to those who shared their stories.
Our cancer information has been awarded the PIF TICK. Created by the Patient Information Forum, this quality mark shows we meet PIF’s 10 criteria for trustworthy health information.
The language we use
We want everyone affected by cancer to feel our information is written for them.
We want our information to be as clear as possible. To do this, we try to:
- use plain English
- explain medical words
- use short sentences
- use illustrations to explain text
- structure the information clearly
- make sure important points are clear.
We use gender-inclusive language and talk to our readers as ‘you’ so that everyone feels included. Where clinically necessary we use the terms ‘men’ and ‘women’ or ‘male’ and ‘female’. For example, we do so when talking about parts of the body or mentioning statistics or research about who is affected.
You can read more about how we produce our information here.
Date reviewed
Our cancer information meets the PIF TICK quality mark.
This means it is easy to use, up-to-date and based on the latest evidence. Learn more about how we produce our information.
How we can help