Skin Cancer Symptoms

Skin cancer symptoms vary from person to person. These symptoms may include:

• Change on the skin, such as a new spot or one that changes in size, shape or color
• Sore that doesn’t heal
• Spot or sore that changes in sensation, itchiness, tenderness or pain
• Small, smooth, shiny, pale or waxy lump
• Firm red lump that may bleed or develops a crust
• Flat, red spot that is rough, dry or scaly

If you notice one or more of them for more than two weeks, see your doctor.

Research shows that many cancers can be prevented if people applied everything known about cancer prevention to their lives.

Some people have an elevated risk of developing skin cancer. Review the skin cancer screening guidelines to see if you need to be tested.  

Behavioral and lifestyle changes can help prevent skin cancer. Visit our prevention and screening section to learn how to manage your risk.

In rare cases, skin cancer can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Visit our genetic testing page to learn more.