Skin Cancer Signs & Types in Wayne & West Chester, PA
Know the Signs of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can develop in many different forms, and early changes may be easy to overlook. A new growth, changing mole, persistent sore, or unusual spot can sometimes be a sign that a lesion needs professional evaluation.
Main Line Dermatology provides skin cancer screening and diagnosis in Wayne and West Chester, PA, helping patients identify suspicious skin changes and determine when further evaluation is appropriate.
The current Main Line Dermatology resource identifies basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma as the three main types of skin cancer. It also emphasizes regular self-examination and professional skin examinations because skin cancers are generally more treatable when detected early.
What Are the Main Types of Skin Cancer?
There are three major types of skin cancer, and each can look different on the skin.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It typically develops on areas that receive significant sun exposure, particularly the face and neck.
It may appear as:
- A raised pink or pearly white bump
- A growth with small visible blood vessels
- A pigmented bump that resembles a mole
- A sore that repeatedly heals and reopens
- A flat, scaly area with a waxy appearance
Basal cell carcinoma tends to grow slowly and rarely spreads to distant parts of the body, but it still requires professional evaluation and treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the upper layer of the skin. It may appear as a crusted or scaly patch with a red, inflamed base and can sometimes be tender.
It commonly develops on sun-exposed areas such as:
- The scalp
- Face
- Ears
- Back of the hands
Squamous cell carcinoma can sometimes develop from actinic keratoses, which are considered precancerous skin lesions.
Melanoma
Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigment. It is less common than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma but is considered more aggressive because it can spread to other parts of the body.
Melanoma may appear as a dark brown or black spot and can sometimes develop within an existing mole. Early detection is especially important.
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
Skin cancer does not always look the same. Some lesions may resemble an ordinary mole, bump, sore, or patch of irritated skin.
According to Main Line Dermatology’s current skin cancer information, warning signs can include:
- A large brown spot with darker areas
- A dark lesion on the palms, soles, fingertips, toes, mouth, nose, or genital area
- A translucent, pearly, or dome-shaped growth
- An existing mole that begins to grow, itch, or bleed
- A brown or black streak underneath a nail
- A sore that repeatedly heals and reopens
- Clusters of slow-growing, scaly pink or red lesions
A skin lesion does not have to be painful to deserve attention. A change in appearance can be an important warning sign.
Use the ABCDE Guide to Check Your Moles
The ABCDE method can help you recognize changes in a mole or other pigmented lesion that may warrant a dermatology evaluation.
A - Asymmetry
One half of the mole does not match the other half in size, shape, or color.
B - Border
The edges are irregular, scalloped, uneven, or poorly defined.
C - Color
The mole does not have the same color throughout or develops multiple colors.
D - Diameter
The mole is generally larger than 6 millimeters when diagnosed, although melanoma can also be smaller.
E - Evolving
The mole or skin lesion changes in size, shape, color, or overall appearance.
If you notice one or more of these changes, schedule an evaluation with a dermatologist. A biopsy may be recommended to determine whether the lesion is cancerous.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
You don’t have to wait for a skin lesion to become painful before having it checked.
Consider scheduling a skin cancer evaluation if you notice:
- A new or unusual growth
- A mole that is changing
- A spot that looks different from your other moles
- A lesion that bleeds easily
- A sore that doesn’t heal or repeatedly reopens
- A persistent scaly or crusted patch
- A dark streak underneath a fingernail or toenail
- A lesion that itches, becomes tender, or changes in appearance
The American Academy of Dermatology similarly recommends professional evaluation of spots that are different from others, changing, itching, or bleeding.
How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?
A suspicious lesion cannot be diagnosed based on appearance alone. Your dermatologist will first examine the area and review any changes you’ve noticed.
During your evaluation, your provider may consider:
- The appearance of the lesion
- Its size and location
- Changes over time
- Your medical and skin history
- Your previous history of skin cancer
- Other risk factors
If a lesion appears suspicious, your dermatologist may recommend a skin biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a sample of tissue so it can be examined to determine whether cancer cells are present.
Main Line Dermatology’s current information identifies biopsy as the diagnostic method for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Why Regular Skin Checks Matter
Skin cancer is different from many other cancers because you can often see changes on your skin. Regular self-examination can help you become familiar with your existing moles and spots so you can notice when something changes.
Main Line Dermatology recommends:
- Checking your skin regularly
- Watching existing moles for changes
- Paying attention to new growths
- Contacting your dermatologist about concerning changes
- Getting regular professional skin examinations
Regular professional examinations can be particularly important if you have previously had skin cancer, since having one skin cancer can increase your risk of developing another.
How Is Skin Cancer Evaluated at Main Line Dermatology?
Your visit starts with a careful examination of your skin and a discussion about any areas that concern you.
If your dermatologist identifies a suspicious lesion, they can determine whether further evaluation is appropriate. When necessary, a biopsy can provide the information needed to establish a diagnosis.
If skin cancer is confirmed, treatment options can then be discussed based on the specific type and characteristics of the cancer.
This approach helps separate screening and diagnosis from treatment, giving you a clear understanding of what a suspicious skin lesion actually is before deciding on the next step.
Why Choose Main Line Dermatology for Skin Cancer Evaluation?
30+ Years Serving Our Community
Main Line Dermatology has proudly served the community for more than 30 years, providing trusted dermatology care to generations of patients.
Experienced Dermatology Team
Our experienced dermatology team provides comprehensive medical and surgical dermatology care, including evaluation of suspicious skin lesions.
Careful Diagnosis
A changing mole or unusual growth does not automatically mean skin cancer. Our providers carefully evaluate suspicious lesions and recommend a biopsy when appropriate.
Comprehensive Dermatology Care
Main Line Dermatology provides medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services, allowing patients to receive ongoing care as their dermatologic needs change.
Convenient Local Locations
Our offices in Wayne and West Chester, PA provide convenient access to skin cancer screening and dermatology care for patients throughout the Main Line, Chester County, and surrounding communities.
Hear From Our Patients
Choosing a dermatologist for skin cancer screening or evaluation is an important decision. See what patients have shared about their experiences with Main Line Dermatology.
Notice a Changing Spot? Get It Checked.
A new growth, changing mole, persistent sore, or unusual skin lesion deserves professional attention. Early evaluation can help identify concerning changes and determine whether further testing is needed.
Schedule a skin cancer screening in Wayne or West Chester, PA with Main Line Dermatology.
Skin Cancer Signs & Types FAQs
The three main types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common, while melanoma is less common but more aggressive.
Warning signs can include a changing mole, a new or unusual growth, a sore that repeatedly heals and reopens, a persistent scaly patch, a pearly or dome-shaped growth, bleeding, or a changing dark lesion.
ABCDE stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving. These characteristics can help identify changes in a mole that should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a pink or pearly white bump, a pigmented bump resembling a mole, a sore that repeatedly heals and reopens, or a flat scaly area with a waxy appearance.
Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a crusted or scaly patch with a red, inflamed base and can sometimes be tender. It frequently occurs on sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, face, ears, and hands.
Melanoma can resemble a mole and may appear as a dark brown or black spot. A changing mole or lesion that differs from the others on your skin should be evaluated.
A dermatologist examines the suspicious area and may perform a skin biopsy. The tissue is examined to determine whether cancer cells are present.
Yes. A mole that changes in size, shape, color, or appearance, or one that begins to itch or bleed, should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
The appropriate frequency depends on your personal risk and medical history. Main Line Dermatology’s current guidance recommends that adults over 40 have an annual dermatology examination.
Main Line Dermatology provides skin cancer screening and evaluation in Wayne and West Chester, PA, serving patients throughout the Philadelphia Main Line and surrounding Chester County communities.