Skin Cancer Pictures
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
Skin cancer can happen to anyone, at any age, on any part of the body. And because skin cancers appear in many shapes and sizes, they can be challenging to identify. While skin cancer pictures can be helpful in learning what skin cancer can look like, getting to know your own skin and understanding what to look for can help you detect cancer early when it’s easiest to cure.
That’s why you should examine your skin once a month. If you see something NEW, CHANGING OR UNUSUAL – even if it looks nothing like what you see in photos – do not wait! Get it checked by a dermatologist right away. Finding and treating skin cancer early can save your life.
Skin Cancer Image Gallery
What does cancer look like on skin? Below is a selection of photos that give you a general idea about what skin cancers can look like. Remember that skin cancers can look quite different from one person to another due to skin tone, size and type of skin cancer and location on the body. Skin cancer can be tricky in other ways, too. For example, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is often pigmented tan, brown, black, even blue. But amelanotic melanoma lacks pigment and appears as a skin-tone or pink lesion.
To sum it up, while photos can be helpful, getting your skin examined by a dermatologist is the most vital step in identifying and treating skin cancer.
Please note: Since not all skin cancers have the same appearance, these photos serve as a general reference for what skin cancer can look like. If you see anything NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL on your skin, go get checked by a dermatologist.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Photos
![basal cell carcinoma 2 open sore an open sore on the skin basal cell carcinoma](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/basal-cell-carcinoma-2-open-sore-340x240.png)
![basal cell carcinoma basal cell carcinoma bcc](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC-slider-1.jpg)
![BCC-slider-2 picture basal cell carcinoma on man's left eyebrow](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC-slider-2.jpg)
![basal cell carcinoma 1 shiny bump picture shiny bump on woman's face](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/basal-cell-carcinoma-1-shiny-bump-340x240.png)
![basal cell carcinoma 4 scar picture white scar man forehead basal cell carcinoma](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/basal-cell-carcinoma-4-scar-340x240.png)
![BCC_pigmented_Fitz_type_4_jpg_Bwr4Nu1C A basal cell carcinoma may be pigmented, like this one, on skin of color.](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC_pigmented_Fitz_type_4_jpg_Bwr4Nu1C-340x240.jpg)
![bcclatinoman_sm BCC on nose of Latino male](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/bcclatinoman_sm.jpg)
![BCC_PinkGrowth-1 pink growth bcc](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC_PinkGrowth-1-340x240.jpg)
![BCC-slider-4 basal cell carcinoma woman's face](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC-slider-4.jpg)
![Pigmented BCC behind the ear Pigmented BCC behind the ear](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Pigmented-BCC-behind-the-ear-340x240.jpeg)
![BCC-slider-5 basal cell carcinoma bcc](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC-slider-5.jpg)
![Pigmented BCC Pigmented BCC](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Pigmented-BCC-340x240.jpeg)
![BCC on the nose of an Asian man BCC on the nose of an Asian man](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC-on-the-nose-of-an-Asian-man-340x240.jpeg)
![Basal cell carcinoma basal cell carcinoma bcc](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC-slider-3.jpg)
![basal cell carcinoma lower eyelid lash line](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/EyeArticle_2-340x240.jpg)
![SCF_Basal cell carcinoma presenting as a pink growth](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCF_Basal-cell-carcinoma-presenting-as-a-pink-growth-340x240.jpg)
![SCF_Basal cell carcinoma presenting as an open sore on the ear 700](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCF_Basal-cell-carcinoma-presenting-as-an-open-sore-on-the-ear-700-340x240.jpg)
![Basal cell carcinoma copy](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Basal-cell-carcinoma-copy-340x240.jpg)
![BCC5](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC5-340x240.jpeg)
![BCC4](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC4-340x240.jpeg)
![BCC3](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC3-340x240.png)
![BCC2](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC2-340x240.png)
![BCC1](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/BCC1-340x240.png)
For information on basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our BCC Warning Signs page.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Images
![scc-1-1 Squamous cell carcinoma scaly patch](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/scc-1-1.jpg)
![Squamous Cell Carcinoma 3 elevated growth on lip squamous cell carcinoma on lip](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Squamous-Cell-Carcinoma-3-elevated-growth-on-lip-340x240.png)
![scc 3 Une plaie ouverte qui saigne, forme des croûtes et persiste depuis plusieurs semaines.](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/scc-3.jpg)
![crusty spot eye squamous cell carcinoma](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/EyeArticle_3-340x240.jpg)
![Squamous Cell Carcinoma 1 wart like on ear wart-like growth squamous cell carcinoma on ear](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Squamous-Cell-Carcinoma-1-wart-like-on-ear-304x240.png)
![cutaneous horn squamous cell carcinoma lower eyelid](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/EyeArticle_4-340x240.jpg)
![Squamous Cell Carcinoma - open sore that bleeds Picture open sore man left ear](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Squamous-Cell-Carcinoma-open-sore-that-bleeds-340x240.jpg)
![Squamous Cell Carcinoma 2 scaly patch on back of hand Patch on man hand squamous cell carcinoma](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Squamous-Cell-Carcinoma-2-scaly-patch-on-back-of-hand-340x240.png)
![CSCC on the scalp of a Black man squamous cell carcinoma on the scalp of a Black man](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/CSCC-on-the-scalp-of-a-Black-man-340x240.jpeg)
![Large squamous cell carcinoma Picture of a large squamous cell carcinoma](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/McCarthy-Mohs-1-scc-340x240.png)
![SCF_Squamous cell carcinoma on the nose](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCF_Squamous-cell-carcinoma-on-the-nose-340x240.jpg)
![SCC4](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCC4-340x240.jpeg)
![SCC3](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCC3-340x240.jpeg)
![SCC2](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCC2-340x240.jpeg)
![SCC1](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCC1-340x240.jpeg)
For information on squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our SCC Warning Signs page.
Melanoma Photos
![melanoma_1_Asymmetry Picture of mole with asymmetry, melanoma warning sign](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/melanoma_1_Asymmetry-340x240.png)
![Melanoma_Border Picture mole with irregular border](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/melanoma_2_Border-340x240.png)
![Melanoma_Color melanoma picture mole unconventional color](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/melanoma_3_Color-340x240.png)
![Melanoma_Diameter_SCF picture uncommon large mole](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/melanoma_4_Diameter-336x240.png)
![stage 1a melanoma](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Bill-Ridenour-Melanoma-340x240.jpg)
![subungal melanoma](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/inter_4-subungual-melanoma-300x-300x240.jpg)
![evolving-melanoma-journal evolving melanoma](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/evolving-melanoma-journal-340x240.jpg)
![figure4a acral lentiginous melanoma](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/figure4a.jpg)
![Nodular melanoma 1.3mm upper back courtesy EK Hale 1.25.22 Nodular melanoma 1.3mm on upper back](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Nodular-melanoma-1.3mm-upper-back-courtesy-EK-Hale-1.25.22-340x240.jpg)
![Superficial melanoma 0.55mm Upper Arm Courtesy EK Hale 1.25.22 Superficial melanoma 0.55mm Upper Arm](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Superficial-melanoma-0.55mm-Upper-Arm-Courtesy-EK-Hale-1.25.22-340x240.jpg)
![melanoma on leg An example of a flat, amelanotic, superficial spreading melanoma on the leg.](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/leg-amelanotic-melanoma-340x240.jpg)
![figure4b acral lentiginous melanoma](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/figure4b.jpg)
![amelanotic-melanoma-scalp-crop A nodular melanoma developing within an amelanotic melanoma in situ on the scalp.](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/amelanotic-melanoma-scalp-crop-340x240.png)
![Picture of Melanoma Picture of melanoma skin cancer](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/melanomadark1.jpg)
![Picture of melanoma Picture of melanoma skin cancer](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/melanomadark2.jpg)
![Picture of melanoma Picture of melanoma skin cancer](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/melanomadark3.jpg)
![Melanoma Image Melanoma, 1.3mm, right posterior shoulder. Photo: Sarah Gee, MD](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/MicrosoftTeams-image-340x240.jpg)
![melanoma in situ 1 cm on the right calf melanoma in situ 1 cm on the right calf](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/melanoma-in-situ-1-cm-on-the-right-calf-340x240.jpeg)
![melanoma-irregular borders](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/melanoma-irregular-borders-340x240.jpg)
![SCF - Dark melanoma with irregular borders](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCF-Dark-melanoma-with-irregular-borders-340x240.jpg)
![SCF Melanoma with irregular borders and differing colors](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/SCF-Melanoma-with-irregular-borders-and-differing-colors-340x240.jpg)
![Melanoma1](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Melanoma1-340x240.jpeg)
![Melanoma2](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Melanoma2-340x240.jpeg)
![Melanoma3](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Melanoma3-340x240.jpeg)
![Melanoma4](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Melanoma4-340x240.jpeg)
![Nodular mm leg native American woman](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Nodular-mm-leg-native-American-woman-340x240.jpg)
Photo: International Skin Imaging Collaboration
For information on melanoma signs and symptoms, visit our Melanoma Warning Signs page.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) Pictures
![merkel-cell-eyelid Picture merkel cell carcinoma on woman's left eyelid](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/merkel-cell-eyelid-340x240.jpg)
![merkel-cell-arm merkel cell carcinoma on arm](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/merkel-cell-arm-340x240.jpg)
![merkel-cell-warning Merkel cell carcinomas](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/merkel-cell-warning-1-340x240.png)
![Merkel Cell Carcinoma merkel cell carcinoma on the lower leg](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/NEW-Merkel-Cell-photo-for-SC101-bottom-right-3.05.18-1-340x240.jpg)
![Gentry-MCC Merkel cell carcinoma](https://www2.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Gentry-MCC-340x240.jpg)
For information on Merkel cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our MCC Warning Signs page.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis (also known as solar keratosis) is the most common precancer. For more photos and information on actinic keratosis warning signs and symptoms, visit our Actinic Keratosis Warning Signs page.
- Actinic Keratosis located on the hand
- Actinic Keratosis located on the ear
- Actinic Keratosis located on the hand
- Actinic keratosis located on the scalp
- Actinic Keratosis located on the ear
- Actinic keratosis located on the scalp
Rare Skin Cancers
Please visit our Rare skin cancers page for more information and pictures of rare skin cancers such as:
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
- Kaposi’s sarcoma
- Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC)
- Sebaceous carcinoma
- Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
- Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD)
For links to more comprehensive skin cancer information, visit our Skin Cancer 101 page.
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