Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms

Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma include: 

  • Shiny pink, translucent, pearly white or red bump
  • A pink bump that has a raised border and a crusty central indentation
  • A sore that remains open for two weeks or more and bleeds, crusts or oozes
  • A white, waxy, yellow or scar-like area with a poorly defined border
  • An irritated, raised or reddish patch that itches or crusts, but doesn’t hurt

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Symptoms 

Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma include:

  • An open sore that doesn’t heal after two weeks
  • A growth that looks like a wart
  • A raised spot with a central depression and rough surface
  • A scaly red patch with uneven borders that may bleed

Melanoma Symptoms 

Melanoma can appear as a new, changing or strange-looking mole. Watch for the ABCDEs:

  • Asymmetry: If you were to divide the mole in half, the two sides don’t match.
  • Border: The border of the mole is uneven, notched, blurred or jagged.
  • Color: The mole may contain shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, blue or gray. Sometimes, melanoma is colorless or reddish.
  • Diameter: The mole has gotten bigger or is the size of a pencil eraser or larger.
  • Evolving: An existing mole or spot has changed appearance, color, size or shape. It may feel lumpy or hard or bleed, ooze or itch. Additionally, melanoma can develop in an area of the skin that was previously normal.

If a spot is changing or growing and doesn’t go away, see your primary care provider or dermatologist.

Merkel Cell Skin Cancer Symptoms 

Merkel cell cancer symptoms include:

  • Firm, shiny, painless lumps on the skin
  • Lumps that are blue, red or pink

Kaposi Sarcoma Symptoms 

The following are the most common Kaposi sarcoma symptoms. These symptoms are more common in people who have HIV/AIDS. Some people with Kaposi sarcoma have no symptoms.

  • Slightly raised pink, purple, blue, brown, black or red bumps or blotches on the skin or in the throat and mouth
  • Diarrhea or digestive tract blockage (if lesions have occurred in the gastrointestinal system)
  • Lymphedema (swelling caused by a lymphatic system blockage)
  • Unexplained intestinal or stomach pain
  • Unexplained chest pain or cough

Skin or Cutaneous Lymphomas Symptoms 

Symptoms of lymphomas of the skin are easy to see and feel. They can show up as:

  • Nodules or tumors (bumps under the skin)
  • Raised, thick or lowered lesions called plaques
  • Flat patches
  • Papules (small lesions that look like pimples)
  • Itchy, red, purple or scaly lesions
  • Larger lesions that break open

In rare cases, lymphoma of the skin can cause:

  • Fever
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Severe itchiness
  • Intense sweating

Actinic Keratosis (Precancerous Skin Lesion) Symptoms

Actinic keratosis (precancerous skin lesion) can appear as small patches of skin that are:

  • Crusty, dry or scaly
  • Sometimes raised
  • Red, tan, flesh-colored, pink, white or a combination of colors

Precancerous skin lesions are often easier to feel than to see.

Check with your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms. They can also be signs of other health issues.