Symptoms of skin cancer

Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can appear in a variety of forms. They are usually painless and grow slowly. They can appear anywhere on your body but are most likely to occur on exposed skin, especially your face.

Basal cell cancers can develop as a small lump on your skin. They may:

• be smooth and pearly
• look waxy
• be a firm, red lump
• bleed sometimes
• develop a crust
• begin to show signs of healing and yet never quite heal
• may be itchy
• look like a flat, red spot, which is scaly and crusty.

Squamous cell carcinomas most often develop in areas that have been damaged by exposure to the sun. They are mainly found on the face, bald scalps, arms, backs of hands and lower legs.

Squamous cell carcinomas have a scaly appearance and sometimes have a hard, horny cap. They can feel tender to touch.

Changes in your skin

If you notice anything unusual on your skin which does not go away within a month, you should show it to your doctor. However, there are many other conditions that may appear in the skin which are not cancer, especially in older people. You may want to have these treated for cosmetic reasons.