Skin cancer can appear as a new or changing mole, an unusual dark patch, a sore that does not heal, or a persistent scaly or crusted area. It can also bleed, ooze or change sensation.
Skin cancer does not always look like an obvious, worrying lump. Sometimes, it starts with a mole that changes, a sore that refuses to heal or a rough patch that keeps coming back. Melanoma can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new mark. Knowing what changes to look for can help you act early.
Key Takeaways
- A mole that changes in size, shape or colour should be assessed, even if it does not hurt or itch
- Melanoma can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new dark mark on previously normal skin
- Basal cell carcinoma may look like a shiny, pearly lump, while squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a rough or crusted patch
- Bleeding, oozing, repeated crusting or a sore that fails to heal can all warrant professional assessment
Why Skin Changes Should Be Taken Seriously
New spots, moles and patches are common, and many are nothing to worry about. What matters is whether something looks different from your usual skin or starts changing over time. That is worth paying attention to because melanoma can be highly treatable when found before it has spread.
According to Cancer Research UK, 92.7% of people diagnosed with melanoma in the UK survive for 10 years or more, based on 2018 survival data. It also estimates that 86% of melanoma cases in the UK are preventable.
So, the goal is not to work out what a mark is yourself. Instead, get to know your skin, notice changes that stand out and speak to a GP if something looks unusual or keeps changing.
What Does Melanocyte Skin Cancer Look Like?
Melanoma most often appears as a change in an existing mole or as a new dark area on the skin. The most useful clue is change over time, rather than one fixed shape or colour.
A New or Changing Mole
A mole that starts changing in size, shape or colour is worth paying attention to. The same goes for a new dark mark that looks noticeably different from your other moles. These changes can be easy to brush off, especially when there is no pain or irritation.
The British Association of Dermatologists guidance notes that many melanomas begin this way and that early melanoma may cause no pain or other obvious symptoms. So, do not wait for a mark to hurt before getting it checked.
Asymmetry and Irregular Borders
Look at whether one half of a mole looks different from the other. An uneven, blurred or irregular outline is another feature clinicians consider when assessing a suspicious lesion.
A mole does not need to display every warning sign before it should be checked. One significant change can still justify assessment.
Colour Variation
A suspicious mole may contain several shades rather than one consistent colour. Brown, black, red, blue or unevenly shaded areas within the same lesion can be relevant.
The concern is greater when the colour pattern has changed rather than simply being naturally uneven. Compare the mole with how it looked previously rather than judging the colour in isolation.
Diameter and Size Changes
A larger mole can attract attention, particularly when its widest point is around 7mm or more. However, size on its own does not diagnose melanoma.
A smaller mole that is clearly changing can still need assessment. That is why growth over time is often more useful than measuring the spot once.
Bleeding, Crusting or Itching
Some suspicious lesions can bleed, ooze, crust or become itchy. Pain can also occur, although these symptoms are less common in early melanoma.
The absence of symptoms should not reassure you completely. Early melanoma is often symptomless, so a visual change can matter even when the area feels normal.
What Does Non Melanoma Skin Cancer Look Like?
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma can look different from melanoma. They often develop more slowly and may resemble a persistent sore, lump or rough patch rather than a changing mole.
A Sore That Does Not Heal
A patch of skin that repeatedly breaks down, crusts and fails to heal should be assessed. This is particularly relevant when the area remains present for several weeks despite normal care.
A sore that keeps returning in the same place also deserves attention rather than repeated self-treatment.
A Lump or Bump With an Unusual Texture
A basal cell carcinoma can look like a shiny, pearly or waxy lump that stands out from the surrounding skin. It may also have tiny visible blood vessels across its surface or develop into an ulcer with a raised edge.
These changes may not hurt or feel uncomfortable. If a new lump looks unusual, feels different or keeps changing, get it checked.
Scaly or Crusted Patches
Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a persistent rough, scaly or crusted patch. It is particularly important to notice these changes on skin that receives regular sun exposure.
A patch that continues to change, become thicker or repeatedly crust should be assessed rather than treated as ordinary dry skin.
Why Skin Cancer Does Not Always Look the Same
Skin cancer can look very different from one person to another. Melanoma may appear as a dark or uneven mark, but some melanomas have little or no obvious pigmentation. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers can also appear as unusual lumps, scaly patches, sores or areas of changing skin.
The way a lesion looks can also vary with skin tone. This is why a checklist can help you spot something unusual, but comparing a mark with photographs online cannot tell you whether it is cancer.
If a change concerns you, a professional assessment looks beyond appearance alone. The clinician will consider how the lesion has changed, what it looks like and other features that may not be obvious from a photograph.
How Do Doctors Decide if a Mole Needs Further Tests?
UK GPs can use the NICE 7-point checklist when assessing a suspicious pigmented lesion. It helps identify lesions that need urgent specialist assessment rather than relying on one visual characteristic.
The checklist gives 2 points for each of these major features:
- Change in size (getting larger, especially over a short period)
- Irregular shape (uneven, asymmetrical or poorly defined outline)
- Irregular colour (multiple shades, uneven pigmentation or a new colour)
It gives 1 point for each of these minor features:
- Diameter of 7mm or more (roughly wider than a standard pencil eraser)
- Inflammation (redness, swelling or irritation around the lesion)
- Oozing (fluid, blood or discharge from the lesion)
- Change in sensation (new itching, tenderness, pain or altered feeling)
Under current NICE guidance, a suspicious pigmented lesion scoring 3 points or more should be referred through a suspected cancer pathway for melanoma. NICE also recommends considering this pathway when a pigmented or non pigmented lesion suggests nodular melanoma, even if the checklist score is not 3 or above.
The checklist is a clinical referral tool, not a way to diagnose melanoma yourself. A GP may also consider the lesion’s overall appearance, history and other examination findings when deciding what happens next.
For assessment of an individual mole, our mole checking service can provide a professional review rather than relying on visual comparison alone.
Why Professional Assessment Matters
You do not need to be certain that a skin change is cancer before asking for an assessment. A new or changing lesion is enough reason to raise the concern and let a trained professional decide whether further investigation is needed.
UK research has also shown that the referral process does not identify every suspected case as cancer, which is expected when clinicians are assessing many benign lesions alongside possible cancers. NIHR notes that almost 90% of people diagnosed with cancer first receive their diagnosis after visiting primary care, making early patient concerns an important part of the pathway.
The benefit of assessment is clarity. You do not have to diagnose the lesion yourself before seeking an expert opinion.
When Should You See a Dermatologist About a Skin Change?
Some changes should be assessed rather than watched indefinitely. The key triggers include:
- A mole changes in size, shape or colour over time.
- A sore or patch does not heal within a few weeks.
- A lesion bleeds, crusts, oozes or itches without a clear explanation.
- A new lump or growth looks different from surrounding skin.
- A skin change keeps developing even when you are unsure what it is.
You can arrange skin cancer screening when you want a professional assessment of a suspicious mole, patch or other skin change.
You do not need to wait until a lesion matches every warning sign. An unusual change that concerns you is enough reason to seek advice.
What Can You Do to Reduce Skin Cancer Risk?
UV exposure is a major preventable risk factor for melanoma, so protecting your skin should be part of your everyday routine. You do not need to avoid being outdoors altogether. The aim is to limit unnecessary UV exposure and protect exposed skin when you are outside.
Here are some practical ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer:
The UK guidance on UV protection recommends using broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplying it regularly and seeking shade when UV levels are strongest. It also recommends covering exposed skin and avoiding sunbeds.
If you work outdoors, protection becomes even more important because your skin can receive repeated UV exposure over many years. Building these habits into your normal routine can help reduce that cumulative exposure.
FAQs
What does skin cancer look like in its early stages?
It can appear as a changing mole, new dark area, persistent sore, scaly patch or unusual lump. Early melanoma may cause no symptoms.
Can skin cancer look like a normal mole?
Yes. Melanoma can begin in an existing mole, so a noticeable change in size, shape or colour matters.
Does skin cancer always cause pain or itching?
No. Early melanoma is often symptomless. Visual changes can appear before pain or itching.
How quickly can a skin cancer symptom change?
There is no single timeframe. A noticeable change in size, shape or colour is important enough to warrant assessment.
Can I tell if a mole is cancerous from a photo?
No. Photos can help you notice change, but they cannot confirm a diagnosis. A professional assessment may be needed.
When should I get a mole or skin change checked?
Arrange an assessment for a new, changing, bleeding, crusting or persistent lesion, or any skin change that concerns you.
Conclusion
You do not need to panic every time a mole changes. But you should not ignore a mark that keeps changing, looks noticeably different or refuses to heal. The important thing is knowing what is normal for your skin and getting anything unusual checked rather than trying to work it out from photographs online.
Book a free online assessment if you have a new or changing skin concern and want professional advice on what to do next.
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Skin changes and symptoms can vary between individuals, and appearance alone cannot confirm whether a mole, lesion or other skin change is cancerous. If you notice a new or changing mole, a sore that does not heal, unexplained bleeding or crusting, or any persistent skin change that concerns you, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist for an appropriate assessment and further investigation.
Noticed a mole, lesion or skin change that concerns you? Arrange a professional review with our clinical team and receive clear advice on the most suitable next steps.
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