Skin cancer symptoms to look for

Other ways melanoma can look

Amelanotic melanoma is a type of skin cancer in which the cells do not make melanin. It can be pink, red, purple or of normal skin colour and hence difficult to recognise. It usually has an asymmetrical shape, and an irregular faintly pigmented border. As the atypical appearance can lead to a delay in diagnosis, there is as a result a poorer prognosis with a risk of recurrence.

Nodular melanoma is the most aggressive form of melanoma. It tends to grow more rapidly in thickness than in diameter. Nodular melanomas are typically characterised by a raised, nodular lesion with irregular patches of colour and an irregular border. Up to 20% of these nodular melanomas may not have any pigment and this can make diagnosis more difficult. An ulcerated and / or bleeding lesion is common.

General information about melanoma

Melanoma accounts for 1-2% of skin cancers. It is the most dangerous and aggressive form of skin cancer. If left untreated it can spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal.

Melanoma usually grows quickly over weeks to months. It can appear as a new or existing spot, freckle or mole that changes in colour, size or shape. It can grow anywhere on the body, not just areas exposed to the sun, and occurs most frequently on the upper back in males and on the lower leg in females.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

BCC accounts for about two thirds of skin cancers and grows slowly over months or years.

Look for small, round or flattened spots that are red, pale or pearly in colour. Some are scaly like a patch of eczema, or may become ulcerated, bleed and fail to heal. BCCs are usually found on the upper body, head or neck.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

SCC accounts for about one third of skin cancers and grows over months and may spread if not treated.

Look for scaly red areas that may bleed easily, ulcers or non-healing sores that are often painful, especially when touched. SCCs are often found on lips, ears, scalp, the back of the hand and lower legs.

Dysplastic naevi (‘atypical moles’)

Dysplastic naevi are odd-shaped moles that may indicate a greater risk of developing melanoma. They are usually 5-10mm wide with uneven colouring.

If you have lots of odd-shaped moles get your skin checked regularly by your doctor.

Solar keratoses (‘sunspots’)

Solar keratoses are generally hard, red, scaly spots on sun-exposed areas of the skin. They are most commonly found on the head, neck and on the back of the hands.

Solar keratoses is a warning sign that the skin has been damaged by the sun and that skin cancers may develop. If you have solar keratoses, protect yourself from further sun damage and have your skin checked regularly by a doctor.

Seborrhoeic keratoses (‘senile warts’)

Seborrhoeic keratoses are common non-cancerous spots sometimes confused with melanomas. They are raised warty-looking brown or black lesions with well-defined borders, and are mostly found on the torso but can occur anywhere on the body.