10 Skin Cancer Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Skin cancer doesn't always look the way people expect. While you might imagine a very dark or obviously abnormal mole, some skin cancers can appear as a small pink bump, a rough patch of skin, a persistent scab or even something that looks like a pimple that simply won't go away.

Knowing what's normal for your skin—and recognising when something changes—can help you identify a potentially suspicious spot earlier.

There are several different types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and each can look different. Appearance alone cannot confirm whether a spot is cancerous, so anything new, changing or unusual should be assessed by an appropriately qualified medical professional.

Here are 10 skin changes worth paying attention to.

1. A New Spot That Doesn't Go Away

One of the simplest things to watch for is a new spot that persists.

Most minor skin irritations, bites and pimples eventually disappear. A new growth or mark that remains, continues growing or changes over time deserves closer attention.

Skin cancer can sometimes resemble an insect bite or pimple, particularly during its early stages. The difference may be that instead of healing normally, the spot remains or gradually changes.

A persistent spot isn't necessarily skin cancer, but it is worth having it examined if you're unsure.

2. A Mole That's Changing

Most people have moles, and the vast majority are harmless.

What can be more significant is change.

A mole that has looked essentially the same for years and then begins changing in size, shape, colour or texture should be assessed.

Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule when evaluating potentially suspicious pigmented lesions:

A – Asymmetry: One half looks different from the other.

B – Border: The edges are irregular, poorly defined or uneven.

C – Colour: There are different colours or shades within the same lesion.

D – Diameter: Melanomas are often larger than 6mm when diagnosed, although they can be smaller.

E – Evolving: The mole or spot is changing in appearance.

Of these, evolution or change is particularly important. A spot that is behaving differently from your other moles deserves attention.

3. A Spot That Looks Different From Your Other Moles

Another useful principle is sometimes called the "ugly duckling" sign.

Rather than concentrating solely on whether an individual mole meets particular criteria, look at the overall pattern of your skin.

Many people's moles have similarities in colour, shape and appearance. A lesion that looks distinctly different from everything surrounding it can therefore stand out.

It might be darker, lighter, larger, raised differently or simply look out of place compared with your other spots.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends paying attention to a spot that looks different from the rest as well as one that's changing.

If something catches your eye because it simply doesn't look like your other moles, it's worth getting it checked.

4. A Sore That Won't Heal

A sore that doesn't heal—or appears to heal and then returns—is another possible sign of skin cancer.

It might repeatedly:

• form a scab

• bleed

• crust over

• appear to improve

• break down again

This can occur with non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

People sometimes assume the area has been irritated by shaving, clothing, glasses or another minor injury. When the same spot repeatedly breaks down or fails to heal normally, however, it shouldn't simply be ignored.

5. A Pearly, Shiny or Pink Bump

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) doesn't necessarily resemble a mole.

Some BCCs appear as a small shiny, pearly or translucent bump. Others can be pink or red, scaly, ulcerated or resemble a persistent sore.

They frequently develop on areas that have received considerable sun exposure over the years.

Because BCCs can initially be small and relatively inconspicuous, they can be mistaken for harmless skin changes.

DermLab describes BCC as one of the common non-melanoma skin cancers associated with cumulative UV exposure and notes that it can appear as a pearly or scaly spot.

6. A Rough, Scaly or Crusted Patch

Not every skin cancer is smooth or mole-like.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can present as a firm or rough lesion and may develop on areas of chronically sun-exposed skin.

A suspicious area might feel rough when you run your finger across it or appear red, scaly or crusted.

There are many non-cancerous reasons for rough or scaly skin, including eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. There are also precancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses, which frequently develop after years of UV exposure.

The important point is not to try to diagnose a rough patch yourself. If an area persists, grows, becomes tender, bleeds or keeps returning, have it assessed.

7. A Spot That Keeps Bleeding

Skin cancers don't always bleed, but unexplained or recurrent bleeding can be a warning sign.

You might notice blood after drying your face with a towel, shaving or lightly scratching an area.

Occasional bleeding after obvious trauma doesn't necessarily indicate anything serious. What deserves attention is a particular spot that repeatedly bleeds with minimal contact or begins bleeding without an obvious explanation.

Bleeding can occur with melanoma as well as other forms of skin cancer.

A mole or skin lesion that begins bleeding when it hasn't previously done so should be examined.

8. A Mole With Several Different Colours

Normal moles are commonly relatively uniform in colour.

A potentially suspicious lesion may contain multiple colours or noticeably uneven pigmentation. These can include different shades of brown or black and sometimes areas of red, white or blue.

Colour variation forms the C in the ABCDE melanoma warning signs.

However, don't rely on colour alone.

Melanoma isn't always dark brown or black. Some melanomas may be pink or red and can therefore be considerably harder to recognise as a potentially serious lesion.

That's another reason why change and difference from your other spots can be as important as colour itself.

9. A Spot That Itches, Hurts or Becomes Tender

Skin cancer is frequently painless, particularly during its early stages. That means you shouldn't wait for a suspicious spot to hurt before having it checked.

However, a lesion that begins to itch, hurt, become tender or otherwise feel different can warrant investigation.

Melanoma, for example, can exist without any discomfort at all, but some melanomas itch, bleed or become painful.

The key is noticing a change.

If a longstanding mole suddenly becomes itchy or uncomfortable without an obvious explanation, mention this when having it assessed.

10. Any Spot That's Growing or Changing

One of the most important signs is also one of the simplest:

Something is changing.

It could be getting:

• larger

• darker or lighter

• thicker

• more raised

• irregular around the edges

• crusty or scaly

• itchy

• painful

• prone to bleeding

The change may happen gradually rather than dramatically.

Taking occasional photographs of spots you're watching can sometimes make changes easier to recognise, particularly when they occur slowly.

But photographs shouldn't be used to self-diagnose skin cancer. If you're concerned about a changing lesion, having it professionally examined is the appropriate next step.

What Does Melanoma Look Like?

Melanoma can appear in several different ways.

It may develop from an existing mole or appear as an entirely new spot. A melanoma might have an irregular shape, uneven border or multiple colours, but not every melanoma displays all of the classic ABCDE features.

Some are relatively small, and some aren't dark.

Melanoma can also occur in places people may not immediately associate with sun exposure, including the soles of the feet and underneath or around nails.

This is why it's important to become familiar with your own skin rather than looking for one particular image of what melanoma is "supposed" to look like.

What Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Look Like?

Basal cell carcinoma can have a surprisingly varied appearance.

A BCC may look like a pearly or shiny bump, a pink or red patch, a scaly area or a sore that doesn't heal properly.

Some BCCs bleed or repeatedly form a scab.

Because they can resemble relatively minor skin problems, people sometimes live with them for quite some time before seeking medical advice.

BCCs generally grow locally rather than behaving like melanoma, but they still require appropriate diagnosis and treatment. If allowed to continue growing, they can damage surrounding tissue.

What Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Look Like?

Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a rough, scaly or crusted patch, a firm bump or a persistent sore.

It frequently occurs on skin that has received substantial UV exposure over time.

Areas such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands and arms can therefore be particularly important to monitor.

As with BCC and melanoma, appearance alone isn't sufficient to diagnose SCC. A dermatologist may need to examine the lesion closely and, where appropriate, take a biopsy to establish exactly what it is.

Can Skin Cancer Look Like a Pimple?

Yes, some skin cancers can initially resemble a pimple or small bump.

The important difference is persistence.

A normal pimple should eventually settle. A spot that looks like a pimple but remains for weeks, repeatedly bleeds, crusts, grows or returns in exactly the same place should be checked.

The American Academy of Dermatology specifically includes a persistent pimple-like or insect-bite-like lesion among the possible appearances of skin cancer.

Can Skin Cancer Look Like a Scab?

It can.

A skin cancer may repeatedly crust or scab over, particularly if the surface of the lesion bleeds or ulcerates.

A scab resulting from a normal cut or injury should progressively heal. A lesion that repeatedly forms a scab in the same place without properly resolving deserves medical assessment.

Does Skin Cancer Hurt?

Not necessarily.

One of the misconceptions about skin cancer is that something serious should hurt.

Many skin cancers cause little or no pain, particularly initially. Melanoma, for example, can be present without causing pain or discomfort.

Pain, tenderness or itching can occur, but the absence of these symptoms doesn't mean a lesion is harmless.

Where Should You Look for Skin Cancer?

It's easy to concentrate on obvious sun-exposed areas such as the face and arms, but a proper skin check involves considerably more than that.

Look over your entire body, including your:

scalp and hairline, ears, neck, chest, back, arms and underarms, hands and fingernails, legs, feet, soles, between your toes and around your toenails.

A full-length mirror and handheld mirror can help you see areas such as your back and scalp, or you can ask someone to help check areas that are difficult to see.

When Should You Have a Spot Checked?

You don't need to determine for yourself whether something is cancerous before seeking advice.

Consider having a spot assessed if it is new, changing, looks different from your other spots, repeatedly bleeds, doesn't heal or simply concerns you.

This is especially important if you have a history of significant sun exposure, previous skin cancer, numerous or unusual moles, or other recognised risk factors.

A dermatologist can examine suspicious lesions using clinical assessment and dermoscopy and determine whether further investigation is necessary.

Skin Cancer and Mole Checks at DermLab

At DermLab, our dermatologists assess changing or suspicious moles, sun-damaged skin, precancerous lesions, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers including BCC and SCC.

DermLab offers dermatologist-led skin examinations and mole checks, with dermoscopic imaging used when assessing suspicious moles. Where appropriate, biopsy or removal may also be recommended.

If you've noticed a new or changing spot or have a lesion that simply doesn't look right, having it examined can provide clarity and allow appropriate treatment to be arranged if required.

DermLab provides specialist dermatology services in Hamilton and Tauranga, and no referral is required to request a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of skin cancer?

There isn't one universal first sign. Skin cancer can initially appear as a new or changing mole, persistent bump, rough or scaly patch, shiny growth or a sore that doesn't heal. Any persistent or changing skin lesion should be assessed if you're concerned.

How can you tell if a spot is skin cancer?

You usually can't reliably diagnose skin cancer by appearance alone. Warning signs include change, irregularity, unusual colour, persistent bleeding and sores that don't heal, but diagnosis requires appropriate medical assessment.

What does a cancerous mole look like?

A melanoma may be asymmetric, have an irregular border, contain different colours, be larger in diameter or evolve over time. However, melanomas don't necessarily display every ABCDE characteristic and can be smaller than 6mm.

Can skin cancer look like a pimple?

Yes. Some skin cancers can resemble a pimple or small bump. A pimple-like lesion that doesn't disappear, grows, bleeds or repeatedly crusts should be assessed.

Can skin cancer look like a scab?

Yes. Some skin cancers can bleed or crust, creating what appears to be a recurring scab. A sore or scab that repeatedly returns or doesn't heal should be checked.

Does skin cancer always start as a mole?

No. Melanoma can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new lesion, while BCC and SCC frequently don't resemble conventional moles at all.

Does skin cancer itch?

Sometimes, but not always. A melanoma can itch, hurt or bleed, but many skin cancers cause no noticeable discomfort.

Does skin cancer hurt when you touch it?

It can, but pain isn't a reliable way of distinguishing skin cancer from a harmless lesion. Some skin cancers are tender or painful while others are completely painless.

Should I worry about a new mole?

Most moles aren't cancerous. However, a new mole or a mole that changes, looks different from your others, itches or bleeds should be assessed, particularly if you're concerned about it.

When should I see a dermatologist about a mole or skin spot?

Consider seeing a dermatologist if you notice a new or changing mole, a spot that looks different from your others, persistent bleeding or crusting, or a sore that doesn't heal. You should also seek advice whenever you're uncertain about a lesion rather than relying on self-diagnosis.