Overview
Basal cell carcinoma often looks like a pearly or waxy bump, a flat scar-like patch, or a sore that bleeds and scabs repeatedly. Squamous cell carcinoma may be a firm red bump or scaly patch.
They usually appear on sun-exposed skin like the face, ears, neck, scalp, and hands. Rough, scaly patches (actinic keratoses) can be precancerous.
When to get medical care
Causes
Causes include sun and tanning bed exposure, fair skin, older age, weak immune system, and past radiation.
OwieClear has pages on 4 conditions that can cause pearly or shiny bump, or a skin sore that bleeds, crusts, and won't heal. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Basal cell carcinomaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
The most common cancer in people.
- Skin cancer (basal cell or squamous cell) (needs checking)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
The most common cancers.
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the skinSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
The second most common skin cancer, on sun-exposed skin like the face, ears, scalp, hands, and lips.
- Merkel cell carcinomaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
A rare, fast-growing skin cancer that usually appears as a painless, shiny, firm red, pink, or purple bump on sun-exposed skin like the face, neck, or arms.
What you can do at home
- Check your skin monthly.
- Use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher.
- Wear hats and protective clothing.
- Avoid tanning beds.
Medicines
Treatment includes removal, Mohs surgery, freezing, scraping, creams, or radiation.
At the doctor
A biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
Questions you may be asked
- How long the spot has been there
- Changes or bleeding
- Sun exposure history
The exam
A full skin exam.
Tests
- Skin biopsy
Prevention
Protect your skin.
- Use sunscreen
- Avoid tanning beds
- Check skin regularly
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.