The three main types
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type. It often looks like a pearly or waxy bump, a flat scaly patch, or a sore that won't heal. It rarely spreads but should be treated to prevent local damage.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common. It may appear as a firm red bump, a scaly patch, or a sore that heals and reopens. It can spread if left untreated.
Melanoma is less common but the most dangerous, because it can spread to other parts of the body. It often appears as a new or changing mole. Early detection is critical.
The ABCDEs of melanoma
Use this simple checklist when examining moles:
- Asymmetry: one half doesn't match the other
- Border: edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
- Color: more than one color, or uneven shades of tan, brown, black, red, white, or blue
- Diameter: larger than 6 mm (about a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller
- Evolving: any change in size, shape, color, or a spot that itches, bleeds, or won't heal
Any spot that is new, changing, or simply looks different from your other moles is worth having checked.
How to check your skin
Dr Kim recommends examining your own skin head to toe once a month, and seeing a board-certified dermatologist for a professional skin check at least once a year — or every 3 to 6 months if you're higher risk (fair skin, many moles, a history of sunburns or tanning beds, or a family history of melanoma).
How to protect your skin
Most skin cancers are preventable. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day, and reapply every two hours when outdoors and after swimming or sweating. Seek shade during peak sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and avoid tanning beds entirely.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist promptly for any mole or spot that is new, changing, itching, bleeding, or not healing — or if you simply have a spot you're worried about. Early evaluation is quick, and early treatment is highly effective.
FAQ
What does skin cancer look like?
It varies — a pearly bump, a scaly or red patch, a sore that won't heal, or a new or changing mole. When in doubt, get it checked.
How often should I get a skin check?
Do a self-exam monthly and see a dermatologist yearly, or more often if you're high risk.
Can you get skin cancer even if you don't burn?
Yes. UV damage builds up over time, and skin cancer can affect all skin tones, including areas that rarely see the sun.
Is skin cancer curable?
Most skin cancers are highly curable when found and treated early — which is why regular skin checks matter.
