Wellness Beauty Can You Spot the Skin Cancer? Here's how to identify a melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and more. By Health.com Editorial Team Health.com Editorial Team An article by 'Health.com Editorial Team' indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors may contribute to an article over the years. These collaborations allow Health.com editors to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available. The editors at Health.com are a dedicated team of experienced health editors, writers, and other media professionals who strive to bring trustworthy and responsible health and medical content to their readers. As a team, we have decades of experience in health journalism, and have worked at legacy publishers and some of the biggest news and media companies in the U.S. health's editorial guidelines Published on August 19, 2013 Share Tweet Pin Email Skin cancer isn't always simple to identify. In fact, it often goes undiagnosed for far too long. Knowing which marks and blemishes on your body should be cause for concern can help you to get diagnosed before it's too late. 01 of 06 Basal cell carcinoma The Skin Cancer Foundation The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. Like squamous cell, it tends to show up in places that get a lot of sun, like the face, shoulders, and back. 02 of 06 Melanoma The American Academy of Dermatology Melanoma is the deadliest from of skin cancer. Look for its so-called ABCDE signs: Asymmetry (the mole's halves don't match); Borders that are uneven; Color ranging from light to almost black; Diameter typically larger than 6 millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser); and Evolution of some kind in a short amount of time—what doctors consider the most telling signs. 03 of 06 Actinic keratosis The Skin Cancer Foundation The scaly or crusty growths from actinic keratosis are the most common precancer, affecting over 58 million Americans. 04 of 06 Squamous cell carcinoma Getty Images Squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most-common skin cancer. It may present itself on all areas of the body, but most commonly it's found on areas frequently exposed to the sun. 05 of 06 Benign mole The American Association of Dermatology A benign mole is symmetrical with smooth borders and consistent coloring. 06 of 06 Nodular melanoma The Melanoma Education Foundation This form of skin cancer can be especially fast-growing. It usually starts as a raised area. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit