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Signs & Symptoms of Skin Cancer in the Face

Skin cancer is most likely to appear on the parts of your body that are exposed to the sun: the face, scalp, neck, arms and legs. If you have a new growth or mark on your face, inspect it closely to see if it matches any of the most common cancer types. Talk to your doctor if you're not sure, or if you need more information.

  1. Basal Cell Carcinoma

    • Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It is also the least likely to spread and the easiest to treat, with a cure rate of 98 percent. It is most likely to occur on the face and other sun-exposed areas of the body, and usually appears as a small, dome-shaped bump. Its surface is smooth and may be described as "waxy" or "pearly." The bump may be covered with small blood vessels. It can be very difficult to distinguish a basal cell carcinoma from a harmless flesh-colored mole. Your doctor may need to perform a biopsy to determine whether the growth is cancerous. Basal cell cancers grow very slowly and are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body.

    Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    • Squamous cell carcinoma is easy to treat if it's caught early. It is about 25 percent as common as basal cell carcinoma, and affects men more often than women. It is most likely to occur in the face, scalp, ears and back of the hands of light-skinned people who have a history of sun exposure. Squamous cell cancers can take one of two forms. They may appear as firm, rough, painful red bumps that can be surrounded by sun-mottled skin. Alternatively, you may find a scaly, crusty lesion or a patch of scaly skin. These cancers grow slowly at first, but if left untreated can spread to other parts of the body. The most dangerous location of squamous cell cancers is the lower lip. If you notice a growth on your lip, see your doctor right away.

    Melanoma

    • Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and results in the highest percentage of deaths. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, and is less likely to occur on the face. It's most commonly found on the trunk, head and neck of men, and the arms and legs of women. Melanomas usually appear as moles, but have irregular appearances. They may be mottled, irregular in shape, painful and can even bleed. They may grow and change in size. Melanomas can also appear as red, white, blue or blue-black spots, shiny, firm bumps, or dark lesions on the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose. If you discover a suspicious spot, have it examined by a doctor right away.

    Other Possibilities

    • There are other types of cancer, but they are rare. If you are not sure about a growth on your face, consult a doctor. Many other conditions are mistaken for cancer, including moles, sun spots, psoriasis, eczema, scars, warts and benign tumors. However, a growth can indicate a more serious condition that, while not cancerous, may require treatment.

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