What does skin cancer really look like?

One in five Americans will have some type of skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). To put that into perspective, about 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed each day.

Skin cancer is largely caused by frequent sun exposure, particularly exposure that results in sunburn or blistered skin. The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause skin damage and damage genes in our cells that lead to abnormal skin growth.

UV rays come in two forms, UVA and UVB. They are both harmful to your skin, and both contribute to aging, eye damage, and skin cancer.

Some people are more at risk for skin cancer than others, including those who have:

• Fair skin, freckles, blonde hair, red hair, or blue eyes
• A history of intense sun exposure or sunburn
• A history of using tanning beds
• A large number of moles
• A family history of melanoma
• A compromised immune system

It’s important to remember that skin cancer—no matter what type it is—may look and feel different for different people and appear in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. So, it’s always important to consult with a dermatologist if you notice something out of the ordinary. It takes specialized knowledge to know whether a spot is harmless or cancerous.

Here’s a visual guide to the most common types of skin cancer.