Skin Cancer

Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands. However, it can also form on areas that are rarely exposed to the sun, such as beneath the palm, fingernails or toenails, and the genital area.

Melanoma skin cancer

Symptoms of melanoma skin cancer may include:

• The appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole
• A large brownish spot with darker speckles
• A mole that changes in colour, size or texture
• A bleeding mole
• A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, pink, white, blue or blue-black
• A painful lesion that itches or burns
  
• Dark lesions on the palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, vagina or anus

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)

Symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancers may include:

Basal cell carcinoma

• A pearly or waxy bump
• A flat, flesh-coloured or brown scar-like lesion
• A bleeding of scabbing sore that heals and returns

Squamous cell carcinoma

• A firm, red nodule
• A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any changes to your skin that worry you.