Many skin cancers occur on the face, but they can appear anywhere. Symptoms of skin cancer may include:

• a new growth or sore that does not heal
• a small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy lump
• a firm red lump that sometimes bleeds or develops a crust
• a flat, red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly
• a change in the color, shape, or thickness of a mole.

The earliest precancerous skin condition is keratosis. This is also called solar keratosis, senile keratosis, or actinic keratosis. It is a rough, scaly area of skin that forms on sun-exposed areas and does not go away. Your healthcare provider can easily treat this condition.