When a “Weird Spot” is Worth Getting Checked

How to Identify Skin Cancer Signs and Stay on Top of Your Skin Health

Noticing a discoloration, new mole, or “weird spot” on your skin can raise immediate alarm bells about the potential for skin cancer. While most skin spots are harmless, it is important to know how to identify skin cancer signs and when to see a dermatologist for an official examination and diagnosis.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and our team at Optima Dermatology takes this opportunity each year to remind our patients and communities about the importance of regular skin checks for skin cancer detection and prevention. In this Derm Deep Dive, we explain different types of skin spots, what to look for, and when a “weird spot” is worth getting checked.

How to Identify Skin Cancer Signs

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, five million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer annually, and 1 in 5 Americans will develop some form of skin cancer by age 70.

Most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early, making regular skin checks and general skin cancer awareness incredibly important. Not every new spot is a sign that you have skin cancer, but certain changes do deserve a closer look, especially if they persist or change over time.

We often refer to the ABCDE rule as a helpful guide to identifying skin cancer signs:

A – Asymmetry: One side of a single mole doesn’t match the other.

B – Border: The edges of the spot or mole appear irregular, blurry, or jagged.

C – Color: The spot is different shades of brown, black, red, or white.

D – Diameter: The mole or spot is larger than about 6 millimeters (roughly the size of a pencil eraser).

E – Evolving: The mole or spot changes in size, shape, or color.

Regular skin checks help you stay on top of the appearance of your spots and moles, and increase the likelihood that you’ll notice size, shape, or color changes over time.

What Else Should You Look For?

While the ABDCE rule is helpful, there are other ways skin cancer can manifest that are important to know.

• Ugly Duckling Spots: A mole or spot that looks different from all the other moles or spots on your body (such as one freckle on your face that doesn’t resemble the others) is worth getting checked out.
• A Spot That Won’t Heal: If you notice a scab, sore, or irritation that doesn’t heal after several weeks or continues to worsen, it’s worth getting checked, as this could be a sign of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. These skin cancers are common and arise when UV rays damage skin cells in the epidermis.
• Persistent Itchiness, Tenderness, or Pain: Harmless skin spots typically don’t cause pain or discomfort. If a mole or spot becomes itchy, tender, or painful, it may indicate inflammation or another underlying issue that should be checked to rule out skin cancer.
• Roughness or Scaly Skin: Precancerous growths such as actinic keratosis often manifest as dry or scaly patches with a rough, sandpaper-like texture. These spots most commonly appear on exposed skin – the hands, face, neck, or ears. Actinic keratosis can develop into skin cancer, so it’s important to get these types of spots checked right away.

How to Stay on Top of Skin Changes

Regular skin checks are the most important way to track skin changes. The earlier you catch skin cancer, the higher the chances for successful treatment. We recommend monthly at-home skin checks and annual full-body skin checks with a board-certified dermatologist.

Your dermatologist may recommend more frequent checks if you are at higher risk for skin cancer or have had skin cancer in the past.

When conducting your at-home skin check, we recommend looking out for the following:

• New spots
• Changes in existing moles or spots
• Sores that don’t heal
• Unusual growths or patches

For hard-to-see areas like your back, scalp, or behind your knees, use a mirror or ask a partner for help. Even if you don’t see anything concerning, you should still schedule an annual skin check with your dermatologist to get their expert analysis.

Schedule an appointment today for a full-body skin check. One of our expert dermatology physicians or providers can help you understand how to identify skin cancer signs and practice proactive detection and prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Identify Skin Cancer

1. What does an early skin cancer spot look like?

Early skin cancer can appear in many forms, including a changing mole, a rough scaly patch, a shiny bump, or a sore that won’t heal. Any new or evolving spot should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

2. When should I get a mole checked?

You should schedule a dermatology appointment if a mole changes in size, shape, or color, becomes itchy or painful, bleeds easily, or looks significantly different from your other moles.

3. Are all unusual skin spots cancerous?

No. Many skin spots—including moles, freckles, and benign growths—are harmless. However, because skin cancer can mimic these spots, it’s important to have suspicious changes evaluated by a professional.

4. How often should I perform a skin self-check?

Dermatologists recommend performing a self-skin exam about once a month to look for new or changing spots.

5. What happens during a skin cancer screening?

During a skin exam, a dermatologist carefully examines your skin from head to toe. If they notice a suspicious area, they may recommend a biopsy to determine whether the spot is cancerous.

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