Fact CheckedSkin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and its incidence has been increasing.
It includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC)—the most common and generally less dangerous type, which often is not reported to cancer registries—and also the deadly type called melanoma.
Most skin cancers are nonmelanoma. Melanoma, though it accounts for about 1 percent of skin cancers, is the fifth most common cancer overall in the United States.
There are some warning signs that can help you identify them early.
Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin cells and trigger mutations that lead to skin cancer. Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock
What Are the Types and Symptoms of Skin Cancer?
There are three main types of skin cancer, each with distinct characteristics and warning signs.
While skin cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages, a key warning sign for any type is a new or changing skin spot that persists for two weeks or longer.
General Symptoms Across All Types
Common symptoms that may indicate any type of skin cancer include:- New mole or bump
- Change in an existing mole’s size, shape, or color, or bleeding
- Flat or raised patch that is pink, red, or brown
- Sore that does not heal and may bleed or crust
- Itchy, bleeding, or painful area
- Shiny or skin-colored bump
- Rough, scaly red spot
- Growth with irregular or elevated borders
- Growth with an unusual color such as white, black, blue, pink, or red
- New mole or growth
- Change in an existing mole’s size, shape, color, or texture
- Sore that does not heal within four weeks
- Spot that bleeds, itches, or is painful
- Skin change that concerns you
1. Basal Cell Carcinoma
BCC is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for approximately 80 percent of all skin cancer cases in the United States. BCC originates in the basal cells—located in the lower part of the epidermis—that continuously divide to replace aging squamous cells on the skin’s surface.Where it appears: BCCs most often develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, scalp, neck, shoulders, and arms, but they can also appear on the chest, back, abdomen, and legs.
What to look for:
- Persistent, nonhealing sore or ulcer: A sore that appears shiny, translucent, pink, pearly white, or red. It may be tender, rough, have raised edges, and show bleeding, discharge, or crusting. If a sore or ulcer fails to heal within four weeks without a clear reason, it may be a sign of skin cancer.
- Lump or nodule: Small, slow-growing bump that may be shiny pink, white, or red in lighter skin tones, or black or brown in people of color.
- Red patches: Red areas that may itch, cause irritation, or be painful.
- Pink growth with central indentation: Slightly raised pink bump with rolled edge and sunken center, which may crust and develop tiny visible blood vessels.
- Scar-like area: Flat, glossy patch that appears white, yellow, or waxy and lacks clear borders—often a sign of invasive BCC.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer, with more than 1 million cases diagnosed annually in the United States. SCC originates in the squamous cells, which are flat cells located in the outermost layer of the epidermis that are regularly shed and replaced.Where it appears: SCCs most commonly develop on areas that receive frequent sun exposure—such as the face, ears, neck, arms, chest, and back. They can also develop within scars, skin sores, or injured skin, often with surrounding skin showing signs of sun damage.
What to look for:
- Thick, scaly red patch: Long-lasting, thickened red area with uneven borders that may crust over or bleed.
- Raised growth with central indentation: Elevated lesion with indented center that may itch, bleed, and grow quickly.
- Chronic open sore: Wound that persists for several weeks and often bleeds or forms a crust without healing.
- Wart-like lesion: Growth that resembles a wart and may crust or occasionally bleed.
- Red, firm bump: Solid, raised lesion that may be tender.
- Rough or scaly patch: Textured area that feels different from the surrounding skin.
- Sore that heals and reopens: Wound that appears to heal but repeatedly breaks open again.
3. Melanoma
Though malignant melanoma accounts for only about 1 percent of all skin cancer cases, it is the most dangerous form due to its high potential to metastasize and its responsibility for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Melanoma arises when melanocytes—the pigment-producing cells in the skin—begin to grow uncontrollably.Where it appears: Melanoma may develop from an existing mole or appear suddenly as a new spot. It can emerge on any part of the body, including areas usually not exposed to sunlight.
What to look for: Early signs often involve changes in an existing mole or the appearance of a new, unusual, or pigmented skin growth. Two common methods can help you spot potential melanomas:
ABCDE Warning Signs
One of the most reliable ways to spot melanoma early is to follow the ABCDE rule. These simple guidelines can help you recognize the subtle changes that may signal skin cancer.- Asymmetry: One half of the mole looks different from the other.
- Border: The edges are irregular, jagged, or not clearly defined.
- Color: The mole has multiple colors or uneven color distribution.
- Diameter: The mole is typically larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: The mole changes over time in size, shape, color, or symptoms such as itching, bleeding, or tenderness.
Ugly Duckling Approach
Most normal moles look alike, but melanomas stand out as unusual “ugly ducklings” that look different from your other moles. This method encourages you to look for any spot that doesn’t match the pattern of the others—whether it’s darker, larger, smaller, or simply looks out of place. If a mole catches your eye because it looks different from the rest, it’s worth having it checked by a dermatologist.Additional warning signs:
- New mole or unusual dark spot that looks different from surrounding skin
- Existing mole that begins to itch, bleed, or become painful
- Spot that becomes raised when it was previously flat
- Spot that develops a rough, scaly, or ulcerated surface
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Overexposure to sunlight—especially the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun—is the main reason people develop skin cancers, according to current research. Most cases are linked to UV exposure.
Getting an moderate amount of sunlight is crucial for generating vitamin D, maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, and supporting immunity, mood, and more.
However, too much UV radiation can cause skin cancer in two ways: it can damage your DNA, which can lead to cancer, and it can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight cancer cells.
The duration and intensity of sun exposure—particularly during childhood and adolescence—are also factors.
The two most common types of skin cancer—BCC and SCC—originate from damaged skin cells and are linked to cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime.
Melanoma comes from damaged melanocytes. Unlike BCC and SCC, the risk of melanoma is more linked to sunburns during your teenage years, especially between the ages of 15 and 20.
Other factors that may cause skin cancer include exposure to certain chemicals, the use of tanning beds, infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), and having a weakened immune system. Notably, due to the risk of developing skin cancer, Australia, Brazil, and Iran have banned indoor tanning, and more than 20 countries prohibit it for minors. In the United States, 20 states and the District of Columbia prohibit people under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning devices.
Risk Factors for the 3 Major Types of Skin Cancers
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but some people face a higher risk than others. If you have the following, you may have an increased risk of developing skin cancer—making regular skin checks and sun protection especially important.- Fair skin that burns easily
- Blue or green eyes
- Blonde or red hair
- History of sunburns, especially during childhood
- Many moles or unusual moles
- Family history or personal history of skin cancer
- Age over 50
- Weakened immune system
- Gorlin syndrome, Bazex-Dupré-Christol syndrome, or Rombo syndrome (genetic conditions that specifically increase the risk of BCC)
- Long-standing burn scars, persistent ulcers or sores, certain types of HPV (all of which specifically increase the risk of SCC)
- History of smoking, especially current smoking or heavy smoking (linked to an increased risk of SCC but not other types of skin cancer)
- History of indoor tanning (people who have tanned indoors have a 67 percent higher chance of developing SCC compared to those who have not)
- Moderate to heavy alcohol use (may increase the risk of melanoma by about 20 percent, with greater risk linked to higher consumption)
- Personal history of breast or thyroid cancer
How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?
To detect and diagnose a specific type of skin cancer, health care providers may use several of the following tests:
- Skin exam: A health care provider checks the skin for unusual spots, evaluating their size, color, shape, and texture.
- Skin biopsy: A small sample of skin is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm whether it is cancerous.
- Blood chemistry studies: A blood sample is analyzed to measure levels of specific substances released into the bloodstream by organs and tissues.
- Immunohistochemistry: A laboratory test that uses antibodies to detect antigens or markers in the tissue sample, helping identify cancer cells.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: MRI may be used to check for cancer cells or tumors that have spread to other parts of the body. It is primarily used for staging rather than for initial detection.
- Gene expression profiling (GEP): GEP extracts ribonucleic acid (RNA) from a tissue sample and uses techniques such as microarray analysis or RNA sequencing to measure the activity levels of thousands of genes at once. This can help determine the cause of the cancer, confirm a diagnosis, and guide treatment decisions.
What Are the Stages of Skin Cancer?
Staging helps guide treatment and is especially important for melanoma, although it varies by skin cancer type. It is usually not necessary for most BCCs because they rarely spread. In this case, staging becomes relevant mainly when the tumor is large or advanced.
The 5 Stages of SCCs
SCCs are usually diagnosed early, but in some cases, they can grow deeper or spread to other parts of the body. Staging helps determine how far the cancer has progressed and guides treatment decisions.- Stage 0: Abnormal cells limited to the top layer of skin
- Stage 1: Cancer has grown deeper into the skin but not spread to lymph nodes or other tissues
- Stage 2: Cancer has invaded deeper skin layers and shows high-risk features but has not spread beyond the skin
- Stage 3: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or deeper structures such as muscle or bone
- Stage 4: Cancer has spread to distant organs or other areas of the skin
The 5 Stages of Melanoma
Melanoma staging describes how far the cancer has spread, which is critical for choosing the right treatment and understanding prognosis. Early-stage melanomas are often curable, while advanced stages require more aggressive treatment.- Stage 0: Melanoma limited to the outer skin layer, with no spread
- Stage 1: Melanoma confined to the skin, with no spread to lymph nodes
- Stage 2: Melanoma thicker but not spread to lymph nodes, with a higher risk of spreading
- Stage 3: Melanoma spread to nearby lymph nodes or along the lymphatic system near the original site
- Stage 4: Melanoma spread through the bloodstream to distant skin, lymph nodes, or organs
What Are the Treatments for Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer treatment is highly effective when cancer is caught early. The best approach depends on the cancer’s type, size, location, and stage.
1. Topical Therapy
Topical therapy involves applying creams or ointments such as imiquimod or fluorouracil directly to the skin to treat precancerous conditions or superficial skin cancers such as BCC or early-stage SCC. These medications are typically used daily for several weeks.2. Surgery
Several types of surgery may be used to treat skin cancer, including:Excisional surgery
Excisional surgery is the primary treatment for skin cancer, often sufficient on its own for most cases. Standard excisional surgery involves removing the tumor plus surrounding tissue, with lab analysis to ensure all cancer cells are removed. If not, further surgery may be needed. Excisional surgery cures more than 95 percent of small, early-stage BCCs and SCCs. For melanoma, additional staging and treatment may be required.
Mohs micrographic surgery
A specialized form of excisional surgery, Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for BCC removal, with cure rates up to 99 percent. It is also highly effective for SCCs, especially in sensitive areas or aggressive cases, preserving healthy tissue while achieving up to 97 percent cure rates. Mohs surgery removes skin cancer layer by layer while examining each layer under a microscope to ensure complete removal.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy small, superficial BCCs and SCCs. This treatment method is effective, with a cure rate of more than 90 percent, and is suitable for patients who cannot tolerate anesthesia or have bleeding disorders.
Curettage and electrodesiccation (electrosurgery)
Dermatologists treat certain skin cancers by scraping or shaving off the tumor, then using heat or chemicals to destroy remaining cancer cells and seal the wound. This may be repeated as needed several times in one session. Electrosurgery is effective for most small BCCS and small, superficial, or minimally invasive SCCS, with cure rates of about 95 percent.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy, using low-energy X-rays, is often recommended for difficult BCC or SCC cases when surgery is not an option, particularly in older or medically fragile people. Radiation therapy has a cure rate of about 90 percent.4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer by enhancing or restoring its natural defenses. Vaccine therapies that aim to activate the immune system to target tumors are also being explored for late-stage melanoma.5. Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy involves applying a medication to the skin cancer lesion, then activating it with blue light, laser, or controlled sunlight to destroy cancer cells. This treatment is used for some superficial BCCs and SCCs.6. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy for advanced melanoma uses drugs or substances to specifically identify and attack cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells.7. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs stop metastatic SCC or melanoma cells from growing, either by killing them or preventing their division. These drugs can be given orally, by injection, or directly into specific areas such as the cerebrospinal fluid or organs to target the cancer regionally. While targeted therapies block molecules involved in cancer growth, chemotherapy broadly kills fast-dividing cells, including both cancerous and healthy ones.8. Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture may help manage side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea from chemotherapy.What Are Supportive Lifestyle Approaches to Skin Cancer?
Certain lifestyle practices may help support your skin health, strengthen your immune system, and complement skin cancer prevention or recovery. While these approaches are not substitutes for medical treatment, they can play a beneficial role in overall care.
1. Anti-Inflammatory Diet
A healthy, anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole, colorful, and preferably organic foods can support skin health and may help reduce the risk of skin cancer.Nutrients like carotenoids found in leafy greens, carrots, and tomatoes; polyphenols in grapes, green tea, dark chocolate; omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds; and vitamins C and E from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that protect skin cells from UV damage and support immune function. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid found in seafood and algae, has shown potential anticancer effects in preclinical studies.
While some of these nutrients are available as supplements, their effectiveness and safety can vary. It is best to get them from food when possible and consult a health care provider before using supplements.
Herbs such as turmeric and ginger have significant anti-inflammatory properties and may help support skin cancer prevention and recovery.
Green tea is well known for its anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, largely due to its powerful antioxidants called catechins—especially epigallocatechin (EGCG), which has shown strong anticancer potential in animal studies. Research also suggests that topical application of green tea compounds, including caffeine and EGCG, may significantly reduce nonmelanoma skin tumors in animals.
2. Exercise
Physical activity, as tolerated, can help maintain energy levels, improve mood, reduce fatigue, and support overall health during and after treatment. Talk with your health care team about appropriate exercise levels.Mind-body approaches such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, tai chi, and mindfulness can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being.
3. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can help reduce stress, anxiety, muscle tension, and pain.4. Sleep
Adequate, restorative sleep is essential for healing, immune function, and overall well-being.5. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil, extracted from the Boswellia tree, has shown potential as a melanoma treatment. In laboratory and animal studies, frankincense selectively killed melanoma cells without harming normal skin cells and significantly reduced tumor size in mice. These early findings suggest it may offer a targeted, natural approach to supporting melanoma treatment.How Can I Prevent Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer cannot be completely prevented, due to some of the uncontrollable risk factors like genetics. However, the following tips may help minimize your risk.
Limit UV Radiation Exposure
Wear UV-protective clothing such as long sleeves, sunglasses, hats, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are currently recognized as safe and effective active ingredients in sunscreens, according to the FDA.However, it is important to remember that sunlight remains essential. In spring and summer, about 25 percent of the body—the hands, face, neck, and arms—is typically exposed to the sun. During these seasons, about eight to 10 minutes of midday sun exposure produces the recommended amount of vitamin D. In winter, only about 10 percent of the body is exposed, and nearly two hours of sun exposure at noon may be needed to produce sufficient vitamin D.
Consider Nicotinamide
A 2015 study found that taking 500 milligrams of nicotinamide—the active, water-soluble form of vitamin B3—twice daily for one year reduced the risk of developing new nonmelanoma skin cancers by nearly 25 percent, with no significant side effects reported.Explore Polypodium Leucotomos Extract
Polypodium leucotomos, a tropical fern, may help protect the skin from UV damage by increasing resistance to sunburn. Small clinical studies have shown reduced UVB-related skin effects and redness in people who took the extract before sun exposure. However, larger studies are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness.Avoid Drinking and Smoking
Both alcohol and smoking can raise the risk of skin cancer. Limiting or avoiding alcohol and quitting smoking are strongly recommended to reduce cancer risk and improve recovery outcomes.What Are the Complications of Skin Cancer?
Different types of skin cancer can lead to various complications, depending on their aggressiveness and location.
BCC may recur after treatment and can sometimes compress or erode nearby tissues, including bone. While it rarely spreads, having BCC increases the risk of developing other types of skin cancer.
SCC is more likely to invade nearby tissues and may metastasize, especially if not caught early. It can also impair the function of affected areas, particularly if it occurs near critical structures.
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and frequently metastasizes to other parts of the body. It can also lead to secondary infections due to skin barrier disruption, scarring from the lesion or treatment, and local recurrence. In some cases, people may develop lymphedema, particularly if lymph nodes are removed or affected by the cancer.
