7 Signs of Skin Cancer That Aren’t a New Mole, According to a Dermatologist
Skin cancer symptoms can also include scales, lumps, and sores.
This article was medically reviewed by Caroline Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board, on June 19, 2019.
Every summer, the importance of sunscreen, symptoms of melanoma, and various causes of skin cancer are drilled into our heads. But while melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, it’s also the rarest type of skin cancer—and it’s the only one characterized by new or changing moles.
“Non-melanoma skin cancers, like basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, are what we call skin-derived cancers, not mole-derived,” explains Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, director of translational research in the department of dermatology at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. That means they show up as other unusual skin changes, such as sores, scabs, irritated patches, or waxy bumps—not moles.
Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers make up the majority of all skin cancer cases, and while they are more treatable, it’s important to learn their warning signs and symptoms so you can catch them early. On top of that, there are other rare forms of skin cancer that have nothing to do with moles, like merkel cell carcinoma, that should be on your radar.
So what type of skin changes warrant a visit with your dermatologist? Here, the signs of skin cancer you should never ignore.
Red patches
Basal cell carcinoma—the most common form of skin cancer—can show up as a small red swatch of irritated skin, Dr. Friedman says. The swatch may be itchy and peel, and so it could seem an awful lot like dry skin. “When you have a cancerous skin lesion, your immune system responds to those abnormal cells,” Dr. Friedman explains. “That reaction can cause the redness or inflammation or scaling you’re experiencing.” If the patch sticks around, have your doctor take a look.
Open sores or scabs
Basal cell carcinomas can also emerge as bloody, open, or scabbed-over sores, Dr. Friedman says. They almost look like the scabby skin that develops after a very bad sunburn. The likelihood of a basal cell spreading or “metastasizing” to other parts of your body are extremely low, “but they can still be destructive, especially if they’re near your eye or mouth,” he says.
Pearly, translucent, or waxy bumps
Shiny, pearly bumps are another sign of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma. These areas are typically raised, often appear on the face, ears, or neck, and may have blue, black, or brown areas, according to the ACS. Blood vessels may be visible and the lesion could eventually burst open, causing bleeding and scabbing.
Red, scaly lumps
Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer, may show up as red or brown rough patches that resemble old warts or scabs. “With these kinds of lumps, and really with any skin wound or lesion, the biggest red flag is that it doesn’t go away,” Dr. Friedman says. A normal skin issue should heal in a matter of days. If your lump or lesion persists, you’ll want to get it checked out, he says.
Craters
Squamous cell carcinomas can also resemble small craters—almost like shallow volcanoes with blood in the center. Like basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell cancers typically aren’t deadly, but they can do damage and cause disfigurement, Dr. Freidman says. Again, you’ll want to see someone if that crater persists or expands, he adds.
Fast-growing, painless bump
Merkel cell carcinoma is a very rare type of skin cancer, but can be dangerous and spread to other parts of the body. It’s often characterized by a pink, red, or purple lump commonly found on the face, neck, arms, and legs. The area can look like other types of skin cancer, but is often very firm to the touch, grows quickly, and feels painless.
How to treat endometriosis symptoms
Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis, says Dr. Brightman. However, treatment options are available, and there are tons of ways to mitigate the pain and symptoms associated with the condition.
The first step in treating the symptoms of endometriosis is a simple one: Take an over-the-counter medication, like Advil, says Dr. Minkin. “If you’re still hurting, or you have pain with intercourse, or you’re having trouble getting pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider,” she says.
Often, your doctor’s first line of defense will be putting you on birth control pills to suppress the period, says Dr. Dweck, though a hormonal IUD might work even better for some women in preventing heavy flow and cramps.
If those methods aren’t working for you to treat the pain, a doctor might suggest Lupron injections, which is a medication that “quiets” the hormones of ovulation and almost “induces a temporary menopause,” says Dr. Dweck. There are also minimally invasive surgical options for removing endometriosis implants or ovarian cysts, she says, which is often how endometriosis is formally diagnosed. Only as a very last resort for treating pain will a hysterectomy be performed or an ovary and tubes be removed.
The key is to talk to your doctor so you can get individualized treatment. “If a woman is experiencing symptoms, I’d encourage her to talk openly with her doctor and be specific about her symptoms,” says Dr. Brightman. “If women don’t speak up, their doctor may assume everything is fine, which could delay treatment.”
Markham Heid is an experienced health reporter and writer, has contributed to outlets like TIME, Men’s Health, and Everyday Health, and has received reporting awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Maryland, Delaware, and D.C. Press Association.
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