Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (or BCC for short) appears as a bump or discoloured patch of skin that does not heal. The bump or patch is a cancer. Sometimes this is referred to as a tumour, which just means lump but is often used as an alternative word for cancer. The bump is usually a pearly-white colour or 'waxy' looking and may contain visible blood vessels. The discoloured patch of skin is flat and scaly and can have either a flesh-coloured or brown appearance.
Basal cell carcinomas can grow to cover 10-15cm (4-6 inches) of skin. Both the bumps and discoloured skin patches can develop anywhere on your body, but they usually appear on parts of the body that have been exposed to the sun. Tumours usually develop on the face, ears and neck, while the discoloured skin patches usually develop on the chest and back. Basal cell carcinomas are usually painless, although they may itch or bleed.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (or SCC for short) appears as a firm red lump or a flat, scaly and crusted scab-like lesion that does not heal. These lumps or lesions are tumours. The lump or lesion (which just means something abnormal) usually appears on parts of the body exposed to the sun, such as the face, lips, ears, hands, arms and legs. Less commonly, they can develop inside the mouth, on the genitals or in the anus.
When to get medical advice
If you develop a bump, lesion or skin discolouration that shows no signs of healing after 14 days, see your GP.
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