5 Spots That Look Like Skin Cancer But Aren’t

It is important to note any new or changing spots on your skin, as these can sometimes be signs of skin cancer. However, not all spots on your skin are cause for concern. These five common skin lesions can resemble skin cancer or precancerous growths, but are typically benign and harmless.

That said, it can be very difficult or even impossible to tell the difference between these spots and cancerous lesions – so if you are ever unsure, see your dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. You can find a board-certified dermatologist at aad.org.

Any new spot or a mole that is growing or changing should be checked by a dermatologist.  I recommend you do not see just any type of doctor.  See a dermatologist because it can be hard to diagnosis skin cancer early if you are not specifically trained for this.

Here is a list of 5 skin lesions that look like skin cancer:

Moles, or nevi, are common skin growths that are typically harmless. They are formed by clusters of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. Most moles are uniform in color – usually brown, black, or flesh-toned – symmetrical, and have smooth borders.

Some moles can turn into skin cancer.  If you have a mole that is changing in size or color- you need to have it checked immediately.  Melanoma is deadly if not caught early and every day counts.

Benign moles can resemble a serious type of skin cancer called melanoma. You need a board certified dermatologist to tell the difference.

It is very important to monitor your moles for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture. A mole that shows signs of the “ABCDEs of melanoma” or that starts itching or bleeding should be evaluated by a dermatologist. 

A- Assymmetry- the sides of the mole are not mirror images of each other

B= Unclear Borders

C= Color (Blues, greys , and black are the most worrisome colors)

D- Diameter- Larger than 1/2 inch is very concerning.

Solar keratoses, also called actinic keratoses or AKs, are rough, scaly patches of skin that appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, and scalp. They look like rough spots or scabs that do not heal. You may pick them off and they come back in the same place. They are caused by long-term sun exposure and are precancerous lesions. You need to have a dermatologist treat these!

While AKs are not skin cancer, they have the potential to turn into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common and treatable type of skin cancer. The good news is that AKs can often be treated with topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing), or other in-office procedures to prevent progression to SCC. 

Early detection and treatment is a must, so see your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are benign growths that can look alarming because they often appear suddenly and may resemble melanoma. These growths are typically brown, black, or tan and have a waxy, warty, rough, or “stuck-on” appearance. They can be flat or raised and may occur anywhere on the body. This return in the same place even when they are scratched off.

Even though these are not cancerous, they can easily be confused with melanoma- so you need to show them to a dermatologist to make sure it is a SK.  You will want to get them removed anyway because they grow rapidly and look very ugly and sometimes itch.

Unlike melanoma, seborrheic keratoses are noncancerous and not linked to sun exposure. They are purely cosmetic and can be removed if they become bothersome or irritated, but they don’t pose a health risk.

Dermatofibromas are firm, small, benign bumps that typically appear on the lower legs but can develop anywhere on the body. They are usually pink, brown, or red and may resemble basal cell carcinoma or other types of skin cancer.

Dermatofibromas are caused by an overgrowth of fibrous tissue, often in response to minor skin traumas like an insect bite or a shaving nick. They don’t require treatment unless they become painful or bothersome. If necessary, dermatofibromas can be surgically removed, although removal may leave a scar.

Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow beneath the skin and are usually slow-growing and painless. They are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, or arms. These lumps are benign and not associated with skin cancer.

Lipomas are made up of fat cells and can sometimes resemble soft tissue sarcomas (a rare form of cancer). However, sarcomas tend to grow more rapidly, feel firmer, and may cause discomfort. If you are unsure about whether a lump is a lipoma or a sign of skin cancer, see your dermatologist. He or she can perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

One of the best starting points for determining if a spot could be cancerous is checking for what are called the “ABCDEs” of melanoma:

• Asymmetry. One half doesn’t match the other.

• Border. Irregular, jagged, or poorly defined edges.

• Color. Uneven colors, including shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.

• Diameter. Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

• Evolving. Changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding.

However, while these signs can be very helpful, some cancers don’t follow these rules, and benign spots can sometimes look suspicious when they are nothing to worry about. If you are unsure about a spot, it is best to see your dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.

One of the best ways to help prevent both skin cancer and benign "sun spots" caused by sun exposure is to wear a daily SPF. The best sunscreen is one that you feel comfortable wearing daily. Choose a formulation that is a match for your skin type so that it will not cause problems like clogged pores or shininess and you will want to wear it every day. 

Some of the most popular sunscreens include:

Not all spots on your skin are signs of skin cancer, but some benign spots can closely resemble it. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to tell the difference between these types of harmless lesions and cancerous or precancerous growths. For that reason, it is best to be on the safe side and see your dermatologist about any new or changing moles or spots on your skin. Early detection and treatment are key to maintaining healthy skin.

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