What is a common symptom of skin cancer?

A change in the appearance of a mole or skin lesion is a widely recognized symptom of skin cancer. This change can manifest in various ways, such as alterations in size, shape, color, or texture of existing moles or the emergence of new growths on the skin. The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving) is often used as a guideline to help identify potential signs of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. This is critical because early detection of skin cancer significantly increases treatment efficacy and survival rates.

While intense itching, dryness of the skin, and excessive sweating can occur in various skin conditions, they are not specifically indicative of skin cancer and do not align with the common, clinical markers associated with it. In contrast, changes in the appearance of moles or lesions are a clear signal that prompts further investigation and potential biopsies, making it the most significant symptom to be aware of in the context of skin cancer assessment.