Could Your Mole Be Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It occurs when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably, often due to DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. While some types of skin cancer are less aggressive, others can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. Understanding the types of skin cancer is essential for prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.

Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is broadly categorized into three main types:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Overview: BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of cases. It originates in the basal cells, which are located in the deepest layer of the epidermis.

Appearance: It often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat lesion with a scaly surface, or a sore that doesn’t heal.

Risk Factors: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is the primary cause. Fair-skinned individuals and those with a history of sunburns are at higher risk.

Treatment: BCC rarely spreads to other parts of the body and is usually treatable with surgical excision, cryotherapy, or topical medications.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Overview: SCC accounts for about 20% of skin cancer cases. It arises from the squamous cells, which make up the outer layer of the skin.

Appearance: SCC typically manifests as a red, scaly patch, an open sore, or a raised growth with a crusted surface.

Risk Factors: UV exposure, a weakened immune system, and a history of precancerous lesions like actinic keratosis increase the risk.

Treatment: SCC can metastasize if left untreated but is generally curable when detected early. Treatment options include surgical removal, radiation therapy, and topical treatments.

Melanoma

Overview: Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer but is less common than BCC and SCC. It develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

Appearance: Melanomas often resemble moles and may change in size, shape, or color. The ABCDE rule is helpful for identifying suspicious lesions:

Asymmetry

Border irregularity

Color variation

Diameter greater than 6 mm

Evolving in appearance

Risk Factors: Excessive UV exposure, genetic predisposition, and having many moles or atypical moles increase the risk.

Treatment: Early-stage melanoma can often be cured with surgical removal. Advanced cases may require immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy.

Prevention and Early Detection

Preventing skin cancer involves protecting the skin from harmful UV rays:

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.

Avoid tanning beds.

Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Regularly examine your skin for new or changing lesions and consult a dermatologist for routine skin checks.

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[AdamBerry-yg]

prayers for anyone dealing with cancer hope y'all all make it thru❤

[marjax]

It is so important to know the difference. I've visited my dermatologist three times this year, and THANKFULLY, I've been wrong each time.🙏🏻

[deltaScriptsROBLOX]

I had cancer but I didn't go to the hospital and somehow survived

[acidicsoul]

😭Ok but all this is on white people skin. I'll need to see one on your skin color because I'm confused at a mole on my skin. I'm Black

[florencia]

Most of my moles have irregular shapes, discolouring, change colour, appear or dissapear. Have dozens and they look like the last one. 😮

[RasberryTwist]

And God Heals All ...
Hallelujah

Amen❤

[lakenemery]

Thanks doctor I will always now my skin cancer level ❤

[c-rod]

Its tough getting old. 4 of my cousins have cancer and it feels just like yesterday when we were young and playing soldier games. 😢 were in our 40s now.

[BuckeyeNan]

Oh, wow! You may have just saved my life. I have a marking on my leg that looks exactly like that melanoma picture. I am going to make an appointment ASAP with my doctor.
Thank you for showing this❤❤❤
I wish I could attach a picture of the sore here for someone to look at it to tell me if I am overreacting.

[jannz]

I want the mole removed & the flat stuff too. My skin cancer felt like a scratch that didn’t heal

[dee]

In the UK, dentists are taught to recognise skin cancer. Our dentist sent my husband to Dr. because of a mole on his face. It was removed within a couple of weeks. It was a Basal Cell Carsanoma.

[Gloria-xp]

If there is hair growing out of it, it's not cancer.

[sandrahuntington]

Can you show examples of these skin conditions with someone who has Black skin? These same conditions show up differently on our skin. Makes it hard for us to recognize if it is a skin condition that needs further investigation.

[AnalogyFriend]

Good luck to anyone dealing with Benign seborrhoeic keratosis🙏🏼🙏🏼

[gheeghee]

Thank you! I captured the melanoma picture❤❤❤

[anshkumar]

God may heal all cr patients 😢
Radhe Radhe❤😊

[bryanspindle]

I have moles of every size, color, shape and description from my scalp to my right foot. There are just too many to keep an eye on and l live alone. I had a basal cell cancer removed from my cheek a few years ago. No doctor or dermatologist has ever done a full check of the moles on my body. There must be at least a couple of hundred.

[patriciawilliams]

Thank you for showing. I as a black women with brown skin had sun poison. Skin cancer is real for us ya'll. I need to be very careful when it comes to the sun.

[rowenasanders]

My husband died on 01/30/2025. He was diagnosed on 12/27/2024 with a mass deep in his cerebellum. Doctors were unable to do brain surgery due to his very short neck. They don't a whole-body CT scan and found tumors in both lungs and under his armpit. Then cancer spread to his small intestines, COVID-19, and large blood clots in both lungs and both legs. He was 71 years old and worked outside all his life. Please take my advice, protect your body from the sun. To lose your lifetime husband after 53 years is devastating to me and our family. 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔

[gaetanemcgraw]

Thank you very much. I have two friends with mélanoma. Now I see what it looks like.