Signs of skin cancer

Although most skin growths are benign, any new growth on the skin or a sore that does not heal should be brought to your dermatologist’s attention.

Skin cancer has many different appearances. It may begin as a small, waxy lump that eventually bleeds and crusts; as a dry, scaly, red patch; or in several other ways. Although it may begin very small, skin cancer can grow to become very large.

Skin cancer sometimes forms from a non-cancerous skin condition called actinic keratosis. These are red, rough patches of skin that develop as a result of sun damage and are commonly found on the face, neck or hands.

If the doctor thinks that a skin growth may be cancerous, a biopsy is performed. The whole area or a sample of the area is removed surgically and sent for examination under the microscope. The biopsy is used to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of cancer and to determine the type of any cancer found.