Types of Skin Cancer

The three most common forms of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. These cancers are most often found in areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, and arms, but they can occur anywhere on the body.

Basal cell carcinomas

• This cancer is typically found in sun-exposed parts of the body, forming in the basal cells that line the deepest layer of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and generally appears as:
• Flat, firm, pale or yellow areas, similar to a scar
• Raised reddish patches that might be itchy
• Small, pink or red, translucent, shiny, pearly bumps, which might have blue, brown, or black areas
• Pink growths with raised edges and a lower area in their center, which might contain abnormal blood vessels spreading out like the spokes of a wheel
• Open sores (which may have oozing or crusted areas) that don’t heal, or that heal and then come back
• Basal cell cancers are often fragile and might bleed after shaving or after a minor injury

Squamous cell carcinomas

• This type of cancer forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) and usually appears as:
• Rough or scaly red patches, which might crust or bleed
• Raised growths or lumps, sometimes with a lower area in the center
• Open sores (which may have oozing or crusted areas) that don’t heal, or that heal and then come back
• Wart-like growths

Melanoma

Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma. It’s less common than some other types of skin cancer, but more likely to grow and spread. Unusual moles, sores, lumps, blemishes, markings, or changes in the way an area of the skin looks or feels may be a sign of melanoma.

The ABCDE rule is a guide to the usual signs of melanoma.

• A is for Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other
• B is for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred
• C is for Color: The color is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue
• D is for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ¼ inch – the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this
• E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color

Some melanomas look or feel different and don’t follow the “usual” rules. Make it a priority to tell your doctor about any changes or new spots on the skin, or growths that look different from the rest of your moles.

Make an Appointment

If you notice something new, changing, or unusual about your skin, contact a dermatologist or your primary care provider for an exam or referral. Need a doctor? Find one at 701-857-3748.

Please be prepared to provide information, including your insurance coverage information, to the scheduler.

Before Your First Appointment

Please complete all necessary paperwork prior to your first visit and bring a government-issued photo ID and insurance cards to your appointment. Please arrive 15 – 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so you can complete necessary paperwork.