Skin Cancer

There are two main categories of skin cancer. The first, nonmelanoma skin cancer, is very rare in young people. This type usually looks like a patch of skin that won't heal or a reddish bump that bleeds easily and does not go away. 

The second type, melanoma, is the type of skin cancer that is most dangerous if not treated. It is more common in preteens and teens than the nonmelanoma type. 

Melanomas look like dark spots on the skin. They continue to grow and can even appear on parts of your body that aren't exposed to the sun. There are six important signs that can help you figure out if you should ask your doctor about a spot that you think might be a melanoma – just think A through E:

A – Asymmetry: A spot that is not the same on both sides is asymmetrical.

B – Borders: When the outline of your spot is wavy, rigid or uneven, you should ask a doctor.

C – Color: If your spot is a different color than other spots or changes color over time, make a note and have your doctor take a look.

D – Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than the diameter of the eraser on your pencil (more than 1/4 inch or 5 mm).

E – Elevation or Evolution: If the spot that you are worried about is raised above your skin (a bump) or if you notice it changing over time (evolving), it might be more than just a dot.

Ask your doctor about any dots on your body that have any of those characteristics – it might not be skin cancer but it is better to hear it from your doctor. The good news is, when caught early melanoma is very treatable.

To protect yourself from skin cancer and other sun damage, remember to wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher whenever you are outside – even on cloudy days! 

(If you'd like to know more, take a look at the American Academy of Dermatology Web site on melanoma.)

Warts

Warts are small skin-colored bumps that usually exist in clumps. Sometimes you will have a few clustered together. Some warts stay the same, some will eventually go away on their own, and others will grow or more will appear around them. 

Warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (or HPV) which is contagious and spreads through contact. HPV can cause warts on various parts of your body – from your feet, to your genitals, to your face.

Genital warts, though, are especially important to pay attention to because they have been linked to cervical cancer in women. So, if you notice warts in that area, check with your doctor. 

Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adolescents start a series of two HPV vaccinations between 11 and 12 years old – before becoming sexually active (although, if you've become sexually active, it is not too late!). The vaccines are designed to help your body fight HPV and protect you from developing cervical and other cancers as you get older.

There are a variety of treatments for warts regardless of where on your body they are, and your doctor can help you decide what is best for you.

So far, the news about dangerous bumps and lumps sounds a bit scary, but don't worry yet! There are some bumps and lumps that are common and harmless. 

Cysts

Cysts are yellowish round lumps under the skin. They feel like a small ball or pebble that can easily be moved around.

Cysts may grow a bit, but they usually stay about the same size. Cysts are caused by a variety of situations – something as normal as a blocked follicle (the part of the skin that grows hair) can cause a cyst to form. Typically, cysts do not cause health problems and, as a result, treatment is not needed.

Angiomas

Angiomas are small collections of blood vessels that look like bright red or slightly purplish bumps. These little bumps stay the same size and, even though they are blood vessels, they should not bleed. Just like most cysts, angiomas are harmless and do not require treatment. 

Moles and Freckles

Moles are clusters of skin cells that forget to spread out as they grow. They look like dark spots on your body that you are either born with or that can develop over time.

Similarly, freckles are harmless dark spots that usually appear on your face and arms. Freckles are most common on people with lighter skin and people who spend a lot of time in the sun.

Sun exposure can increase the number of moles and freckles that you find on your body. The best thing that you can do to prevent a variety of spots (not just moles and freckles!) from showing up on your skin is to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying out of the sun at peak times.

Keep Track

In general if you have a bump or lump it is a good idea to keep track of it. If it changes in size, shape, color or any other noticeable way, it is an excellent idea to ask your doctor.

Hopefully this gives you a better idea about what is going on with your bumps and lumps. Knowing when you need to go to the doctor is helpful but remember that if you are unsure, it is always okay to ask!

Reviewed by: J. Sampson, RN

Last reviewed: August 2019