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Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir
Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Basal cell carcinoma makes up about eight out of ten cases, says the American Cancer Society.
It’s important to know what skin cancers look like, like those on the elbow or leg. We use the latest diagnostic methods and focus on our patients to spot and treat cancer early.
Spotting cancer early can greatly improve your chances of survival. Learning to recognize skin cancers helps us prevent and treat them better.
It’s important to know about the different types of skin cancer. This knowledge helps in catching it early and treating it well. Skin cancer is mainly split into basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Skin cancer is mainly divided into three types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, making up about 80% of cases. It grows slowly and rarely spreads. Squamous cell carcinoma is more aggressive but less common. Melanoma, though rare, is the most dangerous because it can spread quickly.
The global rate of skin cancer has gone up a lot, growing by 1.94 percent each year from 1990 to 2021. In the US, about 212,200 new melanoma cases are expected in 2025. This shows how big the problem of skin cancer is.
Mortality rates for skin cancer differ by type. Melanoma, though less common, causes most deaths, with 8,430 expected in the US in 2025. Risk factors include UV exposure, fair skin, family history, and having had skin cancer before.
“The rising incidence of skin cancer highlights the need for more sun protection and skin cancer awareness.”
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. It can be treated well if caught early. We’ll show you the different stages and types of basal cell carcinoma. This will help you know what to look for.
In the early stages, basal cell carcinoma looks like a clear bump on the skin. It might also show up as a pink or red spot, or an open sore that won’t heal. Early detection is key for good treatment.
As basal cell carcinoma gets worse, it can grow bigger and spread deeper. In advanced stages, it might bleed, ooze, or crust. It could also hurt or itch. Knowing these signs is important for getting medical help fast.
| Stage | Characteristics |
| Early | Slightly transparent bump, pink or red patch, open sore |
| Advanced | Larger, bleeding, oozing, crusting, painful, itchy |
Basal cell carcinoma comes in different types based on how it looks and grows. The nodular type looks like a bump. The superficial type is a red patch, often mistaken for eczema. The morpheaform type looks like a scar and is more aggressive.
Knowing these types is important for getting the right diagnosis and treatment. If you see any strange skin changes, see a dermatologist.
Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, making early detection and treatment key. It’s a rare but deadly cancer that spreads quickly if not caught early. Catching it early can greatly improve your chances of survival, with a 99 percent five-year survival rate if caught before it spreads.
To spot melanoma early, we use the ABCDE rule. This helps remember the warning signs: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter increase, and Evolving shape or size. Asymmetry means the mole doesn’t look even if you draw a line through it. Border irregularity means the edges are not smooth. Color variation means the mole has different colors or uneven color. Diameter increase means the mole is bigger than 6mm. Evolving means it’s changing in size, shape, or color over time.
Melanoma goes through stages, from early (Stage I) to advanced (Stage IV). You might see changes in size, color, and texture. At first, it might look like a new mole or a change in an old one. As it gets worse, it can become irregular, bleed, or form an ulcer.
Telling melanoma from normal moles is important. Benign moles are usually even, have smooth edges, and one color. They’re small and don’t change. Melanomas, on the other hand, have the ABCDE signs. If you’re not sure, see a dermatologist for a check-up.
Skin cancer often shows up on sun-exposed areas like the face and nose. These cancers can be very disfiguring if not caught early. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the top types found in these areas.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and often hits the nose. It looks like a small, shiny bump or a pink patch. Early detection is key because it can spread if not treated.
Seeing pictures of basal cell carcinoma on the nose can help spot it. It has a shiny or pearly look, might bleed or crust, and grows slowly.
Squamous cell carcinoma is another common skin cancer on the nose. It grows faster than basal cell carcinoma and looks like a firm, red nodule or a flat sore with a scaly crust.
Spotting squamous cell carcinoma early is critical for treatment. Pictures of it on the nose can help identify it.
| Characteristics | Basal Cell Carcinoma | Squamous Cell Carcinoma |
| Appearance | Shiny bump or pink patch | Firm, red nodule or flat sore |
| Growth Rate | Slow | Faster |
Melanoma is less common but the most dangerous skin cancer. It’s very risky on the face because it can spread quickly.
The ABCDE rule helps spot melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter increase, and Evolving shape or size.
Seek medical help right away if you notice any odd moles or lesions on your face.
Skin cancer can happen on the ears and scalp, not just the face and hands. These areas get a lot of UV radiation, raising the risk. It’s key to watch them closely and catch problems early.
Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are common on the ears. Basal cell carcinoma shows up as a shiny bump or pink patch. Squamous cell carcinoma looks like a firm red nodule or scaly patch. Both are caused by too much sun.
Knowing the signs of skin cancer on the ears is important. Early detection makes treatment better. Check yourself often and see a dermatologist yearly.
Melanoma on the ear is dangerous because it’s hard to spot. Melanoma looks like a new or changing mole, following the ABCDE rule. On the ear, it can be tricky to see, so regular checks are a must.
| Type of Skin Cancer | Common Appearance | Risk Factors |
| Basal Cell Carcinoma | Small, shiny bump or pink patch | Prolonged sun exposure, fair skin |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma | Firm, red nodule or scaly patch | Prolonged sun exposure, history of sunburns |
| Melanoma | New or changing mole, following ABCDE rule | Family history, fair skin, history of sunburns |
Scalp lesions are tricky because they’re often hidden. Regular checks are vital, more so for those with skin cancer history or spend lots of time outside.
Make it a habit to check your scalp for new or changing spots. If you find something odd, see a dermatologist right away.
Skin cancer can happen on limbs, not just sun-exposed areas. It’s important to know the signs early. We’ll look at how to spot skin cancer on lower legs, elbows, and hands.
Skin cancer on lower legs is tricky because it’s often hidden. Squamous cell carcinoma looks like a firm, rough patch or an open sore. Watch for any skin changes, like color or texture, in sun-exposed areas.
Here are some signs of skin cancer on lower legs:
Elbow skin cancer comes from too much sun. Basal cell carcinoma looks like a small, shiny bump or a pink patch. Check your elbows for new or changing spots often.
Look out for these signs:
Hand cancer is rare but visible. Melanoma shows up as dark spots or streaks under nails or on skin. Catching it early is key, as melanoma grows fast.
Watch for these warning signs:
By knowing these signs and checking your extremities often, you can find skin cancer early. This makes treatment more effective.
Skin cancer can show up in places like the breast and trunk, even though they get less sun. This makes finding it harder because they don’t get as much UV light.
Basal cell carcinoma, though rare, can happen on the breast. Knowing what it looks like is important to tell it apart from other growths.
Basal cell carcinoma on the breast grows slowly and doesn’t hurt. It might look flat or raised and shiny. Looking closely and using a special tool called dermoscopy are key to spotting it.
Melanoma, which is more serious, can also appear on the chest and belly. Finding it early is very important for survival.
Melanoma on the chest and belly can be found using the ABCDE rule. Look for Asymmetry, Border that’s not even, Color that’s not the same all over, Diameter that’s getting bigger, and Evolving shape or size. Checking yourself and seeing a doctor regularly is a must.
| Characteristics | Benign Lesions | Skin Cancer (Melanoma) |
| Asymmetry | Symmetric | Asymmetric |
| Border | Smooth border | Irregular, notched border |
| Color | Uniform color | Multiple colors or uneven color |
Telling skin cancer from benign lesions on the breast and trunk needs a close look. Benign ones are usually the same on both sides, have smooth edges, and one color. Skin cancers are often different, have odd edges, and many colors.
Watching closely and getting a doctor’s check-up often is important. If you see something odd, see a dermatologist right away.
Getting a correct diagnosis is key to treating skin cancer well. We know it can be scary to get a diagnosis. But with the right info, patients can handle their treatment better.
Diagnosing skin cancer usually means a biopsy. This is when a suspicious skin sample is checked under a microscope. There are different biopsy methods, like shave, punch, and excisional biopsies. The choice depends on the lesion’s size, location, and type.
Biopsy Techniques:
Treatment for skin cancer changes based on the type, stage, and location of the cancer. It also depends on the patient’s health. Common treatments include surgical excision, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy, and topical treatments.
| Cancer Type | Common Treatments |
| Basal Cell Carcinoma | Surgical Excision, Mohs Surgery |
| Melanoma | Surgical Excision, Immunotherapy |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma | Surgical Excision, Radiation Therapy |
“Early detection of skin cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.”
After treatment, it’s important to follow up to watch for any signs of cancer coming back. Patients should do self-exams and see their dermatologist regularly.
Follow-up Care Tips:
We stress the importance of catching skin cancer early and treating it right. Knowing about diagnosis and treatment helps patients take charge of their care.
Prevention and early detection are key to managing skin cancer well. Understanding the signs of basal cell carcinoma and melanoma is important. This helps spot skin cancer on legs, ears, and noses.
Regular self-exams can catch skin cancer early. This is true for pictures of skin cancer on legs or ears. Knowing about squamous cell nose pictures and other unusual spots is also helpful.
Sun protection is vital. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothes, and stay in the shade during peak sun hours. These steps can lower your risk of skin cancer.
Early detection and prevention save lives. We urge everyone to take care of their skin. If you see any unusual changes or spots, see a dermatologist.
The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent, accounting for the majority of skin cancer cases.
Basal cell carcinoma can be identified through its visual characteristics, which vary depending on the type. Nodular, superficial, and morpheaform are common forms, often presenting as bumps, patches, or scars on the skin.
The ABCDE rule is a guideline for identifying melanoma: A (asymmetry), B (border irregularity), C (color variation), D (diameter > 6mm), and E (evolving). If a mole exhibits these characteristics, it’s vital to consult a dermatologist.
Yes, skin cancer can occur on the ears and scalp, areas often exposed to the sun. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma can develop in these areas, making regular checks essential.
Skin cancer is diagnosed through biopsy procedures, where a sample of the suspicious lesion is examined under a microscope. This helps determine the presence and type of skin cancer.
Treatment options for skin cancer vary based on the type and stage, including surgical excision, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Yes, skin cancer can occur on the extremities. Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma can develop on the legs, arms, and hands, highlighting the need for regular skin checks.
Distinguishing skin cancer from benign lesions requires awareness of the visual characteristics of skin cancer, such as changes in size, color, or shape. Consulting a dermatologist is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Sun protection is vital in preventing skin cancer, as UV radiation is a significant risk factor. Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade can help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
Yes, the nose and face are high-risk areas due to increased sun exposure. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are common in these areas, making regular checks and sun protection vital.
Yes, melanoma can occur on the chest and abdomen, though it’s less common than in sun-exposed areas. Regular skin checks can help detect melanoma in these areas.
Warning signs of hand cancer include new or changing lesions, such as growths, sores, or discoloration. If you notice any unusual changes, consult a dermatologist for evaluation.
World Health Organization. (2025). 7 Skin Cancer Pictures Basal Cell Carcinoma. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/uv/health/healthcare/en/
