A 41-year-old member asked:
What might skin cancer look like?
4 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in

Dr. Mike Bowmananswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 20 years experience
New lumps or bumps: Any new skin bump which is new, enlarging, and changing is concerning. The older you are, and the more sun exposure you have had, the higher the risk of skin cancer. Melanomas risk is remembered as abcd: asymmetry, irregular borders, irregular coloration, diameter >6mm. If in doubt, have a doctor look at it.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Otto Placikanswered
Surgery - Plastics 35 years experience
Many types : Depends on the type of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma, dermatofibrisarcoma, etc. They may look like a pimple, mole, ulcer, scar, nodule, plaque, rash, pigmented, colored, etc. Appearance as well as behavior and history and location are important pieces of information that contribute to the assessment.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Margaret Mannanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
Growing sore: Skin cancer often begins as a small bump that looks like a “pimple that doesn’t go away”. It gradually enlarges, and sometimes bleeds. The cancer may appear red, pearly, scaly, flesh-colored, or darker than the surrounding skin. If you have a growing spot that doesn't heal, you should see your dermatologist.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Travis Kidneranswered
Surgical Oncology 18 years experience
Varies: There are several different types of skin cancers. Squamous cell the skin begins as a small nodule and as it enlarges the center becomes necrotic and sloughs and the nodule turns into an ulcer. Basal cell patients present with a shiny, pearly nodule. Melanoma patients have an irregularly appearing pigmented lesion.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 47-year-old member asked:
Skin cancer look like wart, what is this?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
There are a number: Of types of skin cancer. Please have this lesion evaluated by a dermatologist.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 34-year-old member asked:
How do I know if I might have skin cancer?|
5 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Margaret Mannanswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
See a dermatologist: The best way to diagnose a skin cancer is to see your dermatologist. He or she will examine the spot and determine if a skin biopsy is necessary. Often times, a dermatologist can tell by looking at a spot if it is cancer or not. If you have a spot that bleeds, doesn't heal, or grows rapidly, it may be signs of skin cancer. Fortunately, most are easily treatable in the office.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Sacramento, CA
A 67-year-old female asked:
What does squeamish skin cancer look like?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Fisheranswered
Dermatology 33 years experience
Squamous Cell: Symptoms
squamous cell skin cancer usually occurs on the face, ears, neck, hands, or arm. It may occur on other areas.
The main symptom is a growing bump that may have a rough, scaly surface and flat reddish patches.
The earliest form appears as a scaly, crusted, and large reddish patch (often larger than 1 inch).
A sore that does not heal can be a sign of squamous cell cancer.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Blue Springs, MO
A 41-year-old female asked:
What does skin cancer look like ? How can you tell if you have it ?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gary Lawsonanswered
Anesthesiology 23 years experience
Skin cancer: Biopsy with pathologist verification is the only way to yrll.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
What does skin cancer of the nose look like?
3 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in

Dr. Scott Tuckeranswered
Plastic Surgery 40 years experience
A new bump: Skin cancer can look very benign. It can be a small skin colored bump or can be an ulcer that bleeds easily. If you have something new have it checked out.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 5, 2019
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