Painless Skin Lesions Might Be Skin Cancer!

Non-painful, non-itchy skin lesions on the head and face could be skin cancer. Learn about basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma - their signs, diagnosis, and the ABCDE principle.

A patient in their 60s noticed a small bump on their nose that had been growing slowly for over a year. Because it was painless and didn't itch, they assumed it was just an age spot. When they finally visited a dermatologist, the biopsy revealed basal cell carcinoma – the most common type of skin cancer.

This case highlights an important point: skin cancer often presents as painless lesions that are easily dismissed. Understanding the warning signs can lead to early detection and better outcomes.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of all skin cancers. It typically appears on sun-exposed areas (face, ears, neck, scalp) and grows slowly. Key features include:

• Pearly or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels
• Flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion
• Bleeding or oozing sore that heals and returns
• Usually painless and slow-growing
• Rarely metastasizes but can cause local tissue destruction if untreated

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second most common skin cancer. It tends to be more aggressive than BCC and can metastasize if left untreated. Warning signs include:

• Firm, red nodule
• Flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
• New sore or raised area on an old scar
• Rough, scaly patch on the lip that may evolve into an open sore
• Red sore or rough patch inside the mouth