Basal cell carcinoma:
Basal cell carcinoma usually occurs in sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your neck or face. It may appear as:
- A pearly or waxy bump
- A flat, flesh-coloured or brown scar-like lesion
- Bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns
Squamous cell carcinoma:
Most often, squamous cell carcinoma occurs on sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your face, ears and hands. People with darker skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma in areas that aren’t often exposed to the sun. It may appear as:
- A firm, red nodule
- A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
Melanoma:
Melanoma can develop anywhere on your body, in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous. Melanoma most often appears on the face or the trunk of affected men. In women, this type of cancer most often develops on the lower legs. In both men and women, melanoma can occur on skin that hasn’t been exposed to the sun.
Melanoma signs include:
- A large brownish spot with darker speckles
- A mole that changes in colour, size or feels or that bleeds
- A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, pink, white, blue or blue-black
- A painful lesion that itches or burns
- Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining your mouth, nose, vagina or anus
