Pimple or Skin Cancer? What to Do When You're Worried About a Skin Spot

A lesion that looks like a pimple but is crusty, persistent, bleeding, or changing could be skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma). Only a clinician can diagnose via history, dermoscopy, and biopsy if needed.

Red Flags (ABCDE for Melanoma; others for NMSC)

• Asymmetry
• Border irregularity
• Color variation
• Diameter >6 mm (or growing)
• Evolution (change in size, shape, color, symptoms)
• Non-healing sore >4 weeks
• Shiny, pearly nodule (BCC)
• Scaly, crusted, wart-like growth (SCC)

Action

Schedule a dermatology appointment promptly. Early detection = high cure rate. Do not self-diagnose or delay.