Many skin cancers develop from overexposure to the sun and often affect the face. Although anyone can develop skin cancer, fair-skinned people are at greater risk. People can usually spot possible skin cancers on the face and have them examined by a dermatologist for removal if necessary; the doctor can then inspect other areas of the body. Dermatologists can treat most skin cancers easily and successfully when caught early.
Basal Cell Symptoms
Basal cell carcinomas, the most common skin cancers, can appear on the face, ears, scalp and other sun-exposed areas of the body, according to MayoClinic.com. The skin cancers may develop as shiny, pearly or waxy bumps, flat, flesh-colored lesions or brown scar-like spots. Abnormal blood vessels may be visible in the center. The spots may ooze, crust or bleed following a minor injury.
Squamous Cell Symptoms
Squamous cell carcinomas can develop on the face, lips, ears and other areas exposed to the sun. They may appear as hard, red nodules or flat, scaly lesions with crusted surfaces. The patches may grow slowly. New growths or sores that do not heal after two to three months may indicate skin cancer.
Melanoma Signs
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can appear anywhere on the body, even on areas not exposed to the sun. Any unusual moles or other skin lesions on the face or other areas of the body should be checked out with a dermatologist. The ABCD method helps to detect possible signs of melanoma, the American Cancer Society notes. The asymmetry of the mark may reveal one half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other half. The borders of the mark may be ragged, blurred or irregular. The color of the spot may differ and include shades of brown, black, red, white, pink or blue. A mark that has a diameter of about 1/4 inch or the size of a pencil eraser may indicate melanoma. Sores that do not heal or spots that become itchy, tender or painful may indicate melanoma.
Actinic Keratosis Spots
Precancerous skin conditions on the face or other sun-exposed areas of the body include actinic keratoses. They can develop as pink, red or flesh-colored rough spots less than 1/4 inch in size. They often appear on the face and ears. People may develop more than one actinic keratosis. The precancers can develop into skin cancers, but doctors can usually treat them with freezing methods before they become cancerous.
