What does skin cancer look like? And is it deadly? I'm scared I have it on my face!?

[Lindsey M]

I have this brown spot on my face that is starting to show up. It's nothing like I've seen before, and it won't go away. It's not a bump or anything.

[sweetangelbaby_99]

It has many different appearances. Yes it's deadly. It kills thousands per year.
Get to the Doctor and get it checked out!
It sounds like a sunspot, but you should go to be safe.
I had to have a biopsy done on 1.5 yrs ago on a strange looking spot. It was benign, but the experience scared me to death.

[mema]

If its dry and scaly, which means it flakes then see the doctor. If its a mole and its irregular in shape or bleeding thats not good either.

I had basal cell which was no color at all , just a scaly spot.

[Captain]

It doesnt have to be a bump, but if it just appeared and looks suspicious, have a doctor check it out. If you dont have the access to one immediately, then keep track of the appearances of the spot. Use the ABCD's of skin cancer.

A-asymmetry: cancerous spots are usually uneven in symmetry.
B-bumpy: if it is bumpy
C-color: the color is usually different on different sides of the spot
D-diameter: The spot should be smaller than 5mm, or the size of a pencil eraser. If it gets any bigger, there is definitely a problem.
Good Luck

PS--to the people that answered before me: First, it may not be necessarily deadly, it could be benign.
Second: the description of the second answer is of carcinoma, which is different than what the asker described, which is most likely melanoma
which is most rare, but also most deadly of all 3 types of skin cancer...

[petunia1]

Go under yahoo search and look up skin cancer, you will get all the facts on it and pictures of what to look for. If you really want to know go to a dermatologist and get checked.

[V.V.]

go to a doctor it could be loads of other stuff or maybe it is..... dont self medicate

[lil vamp]

if you are worried go to see your dr and see what they say. If left untreated cancer can be deadly.