How to Spot Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Have concerns about skin cancer? Our Palm Beach team recommends knowing what to look for so you can act quickly. Spotting early skin cancer symptoms—especially changes in a mole or anew spot—often leads to simpler, more effective skin cancer treatment.

Early Symptoms You Can See

Use the ABCDEs to evaluate a mole that might be cancerous:

• Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other
• Border: irregular, notched, or blurred edges
• Color: multiple colors or very dark color
• Diameter: larger than a pencil eraser (about 6 mm)
• Evolving: any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding

Other Common Skin Cancer Symptoms

• A new pearly bump, translucent growth, or pink shiny spot
• A rough, scaly patch that crusts or bleeds and doesn’t heal
• A firm, red nodule or a sore that repeatedly heals and reopens
• A dark streak under a nail or a rapidly changing dark lesion

Symptoms Beyond the Skin: What to Watch Out For

While most skin cancers first show up on the skin, some less obvious symptoms can occur—especially if a cancer is advanced or has spread. These signs are not specific to skin cancer and often have other causes, but persistent or unexplained symptoms warrant medical attention:

• Painless, persistent swelling of lymph nodes (neck, armpit, or groin)
• Unexplained fatigue or a general sense of not feeling well
• Unintended weight loss or loss of appetite
• Persistent cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• Frequent headaches, new or worsening neurologic symptoms (weakness, numbness, seizures), or confusion
• New vision changes such as blurred vision, floaters, or a dark spot in the eye (possible ocular melanoma)

If any of these symptoms last more than a few weeks, are worsening, or are accompanied by a suspicious skin lesion, schedule an evaluation. Early assessment can clarify the cause and guide appropriate next steps.

When To Seek Treatment and What to Expect

See a dermatologist promptly if you notice any suspicious mole, sore, or changing spot. A skin exam and biopsy can confirm whether a lesion is cancerous. Skin cancer treatment depends on the type, size, and location. Options may include topical therapies, cryotherapy, standard excision, or skin cancer surgery. For many basal and squamous cell cancers—especially on the face—Mohs surgery precisely removes cancerous tissue while sparing healthy skin. Early diagnosis typically allows for more straightforward treatment and smaller scars.

Unsure if a spot on your skin might be skin cancer? Our Palm Beach team can provide a diagnosis. Call (561) 223-6238 or message us online to book an expert skin exam at Carroll Dermatology.