One bird consoling another that has skin cancer

Skin cancer

What is skin cancer?

There are several different types of cancer which can affect the skin. The most common are non-melanoma cancers (basal and squamous cancers). These tend to affect older people and are very common and are highly treatable.

Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in Scotland and the number of cases is increasing. Finding it early means there are more treatment options available and a better chance of living well again.

What are the symptoms?

If you notice anything unusual on your skin that doesn’t go away in 4 weeks, contact your GP practice. This could include:

  • A change in shape or size of an existing mole or skin lesion.
  • A mole that looks new or different from other moles.
  • A new or changing dark-coloured line in a nail or anything growing under a nail.
  • A spot or sore that does not heal.
  • A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, scab, crust or bleed.

Keep an eye on any moles, freckles, or skin lesions you already have.

Melanoma may arise in an existing mole so it’s important to check for changes in any moles you have or check for new moles on a regular basis.

Contact your GP practice and get checked as soon as possible if you notice a mole that is:

  • Getting bigger.
  • Changing shape, particularly if it’s getting an irregular edge.
  • Changing colour – especially getting darker, becoming patchy or multi-shaded.
  • Losing symmetry – the two halves of your mole do not look the same.
  • Being itchy or painful (for over 4 weeks).
  • Bleeding or becoming crusty (for over 4 weeks).
  • New and looks different from your other moles.

For examples or more information, find out more here.

It might help to take a photograph of anything unusual you notice so it can be checked for change over time.

Remember, there are lots of skin conditions, so if you notice any of these symptoms listed above, it doesn’t mean it’s cancer. But you should contact your GP practice because whatever it is, the earlier it’s checked, the better.

Dr Megan Mowbray skin specialist

Dr Megan Mowbray, Dr Megan Mowbray, Consultant Dermatologist, NHS Fife

If found early, melanoma skin cancer is treatable. It can be a new mole that develops on the skin or an existing mole that changes. It is important that you examine your skin regularly to check for any new or changing moles. If you have any concerns you should contact your GP practice.

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What's involved in getting checked?

Some people put off contacting their GP practice because they think they’ll be wasting their time. They won’t think that – they want to hear from you if you’re worried about possible symptoms.

They might:

  • Compare and/or share any photos you’ve taken with dermatology for review.
  • Examine the area closely.
  • Monitor for change over time.
  • Refer you to a specialist.

Real stories

Laura Russell

If you have a concern, it can be looked at quickly by a health professional. It’s not because it’s going to be cancer - I’ve had twenty moles removed that have turned out to be nothing – but if it is melanoma, the sooner it’s found the better.

Laura Russell, 39, from Dundee, was first diagnosed and successfully treated for early-stage melanoma at 18. Since then, she has had four recurrences, the latest of which has made her want to raise awareness of the importance of getting checked early.
Read story