Basal cell cancers can develop as a small lump on your skin which is smooth and pearly or waxy in appearance. It may bleed sometimes or develop a crust. It may begin to show signs of healing and yet never quite does. Instead, you may see a flat, red spot, which is scaly and crusty. Sometimes there is just a firm, red lump. Skin cancers are usually painless and grow slowly. They can appear anywhere on your body but are most likely to occur on exposed skin, especially your face.

Squamous cell carcinomas often have a scaly appearance. Sometimes they have a hard, horny cap and can feel tender to touch. They are also found on the face, bald scalps, arms, backs of hands and lower legs.

If you notice anything unusual on your skin which does not go away within a month, you should show it to your doctor. There are, however, many other conditions that may appear in the skin which are not cancer, particularly among older people. You may still wish to have these treated for cosmetic reasons.

Signs and symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer:

Most likely to appear on face, neck or other exposed skin.

• Small lump
  - smooth or waxy
  - may bleed
  - may develop a crust
  - may be itchy
• Flat, red spot -- scaly and crusty
• Firm, red lump -- painless, growing slowly
• Lump with scaly or horny top