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Skin Cancer
Black Skin Cancer awareness ribbon labeled Skin Cancer
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Skin Cancer signs, follow-up guidance, risk factors, testing information, and trusted cancer resources from PINC Foundation.
Skin cancer can appear anywhere, including areas with little sun exposure. A new, changing, or non-healing spot should be examined.
Melanoma is one of the cancers that can occur in adolescents and young adults. All skin tones can develop skin cancer; on darker skin it may appear on palms, soles, nails, or less sun-exposed sites.
• Ultraviolet exposure from sun or tanning beds
• Light skin, freckling, or tendency to burn—though any skin tone can be affected
• Many or atypical moles
• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Immune suppression and certain inherited conditions
• Ultraviolet exposure from sun or tanning beds
• Light skin, freckling, or tendency to burn—though any skin tone can be affected
• Many or atypical moles
• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Immune suppression and certain inherited conditions
• A mole following ABCDE: asymmetry, irregular border, varied color, larger diameter, or evolving
• A sore that does not heal or repeatedly crusts and bleeds
• A pearly, shiny, scaly, or firm bump
• A rough red patch or scar-like area
• An “ugly duckling” spot that looks different from the others
Make an appointment for a changing mole, non-healing sore, or unusual spot. A rapidly changing, bleeding, painful, or dark streak under a nail deserves prompt review.
• A mole following ABCDE: asymmetry, irregular border, varied color, larger diameter, or evolving
• A sore that does not heal or repeatedly crusts and bleeds
• A pearly, shiny, scaly, or firm bump
• A rough red patch or scar-like area
• An “ugly duckling” spot that looks different from the others
Make an appointment for a changing mole, non-healing sore, or unusual spot. A rapidly changing, bleeding, painful, or dark streak under a nail deserves prompt review.
There is no single routine population screening schedule for skin cancer that applies to everyone. People at higher risk may benefit from clinician skin exams. Self-awareness complements—but does not replace—professional evaluation of a concerning spot.
• Full visual skin examination
• Dermoscopy to examine a spot more closely
• Skin biopsy to make the diagnosis
• Lymph node examination for concerning melanoma
• Additional imaging only when indicated after diagnosis
There is no single routine population screening schedule for skin cancer that applies to everyone. People at higher risk may benefit from clinician skin exams. Self-awareness complements—but does not replace—professional evaluation of a concerning spot.
• Full visual skin examination
• Dermoscopy to examine a spot more closely
• Skin biopsy to make the diagnosis
• Lymph node examination for concerning melanoma
• Additional imaging only when indicated after diagnosis
• Does this spot need biopsy?
• How can I photograph and track my skin safely?
• How often should I have a professional skin exam based on my risk?
• What sun-protection plan is realistic for me?
• Does this spot need biopsy?
• How can I photograph and track my skin safely?
• How often should I have a professional skin exam based on my risk?
• What sun-protection plan is realistic for me?
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/skin-cancer.html
https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/skin-cancer.html
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