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Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer in the United States and accounts for about eight out of 10 skin cancers, . Basal cell carcinoma forms in basal cells, which are found in the lower part of your epidermis (the top layer of your skin).

Basal cell skin cancers can pop up anywhere, but most frequently occur in areas of the body that are often exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Even though it’s a common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma tends to grow very slowly, rarely spreads to other parts of the body, and is very treatable, the ACS says.

Basal cell carcinoma symptoms: “Unfortunately, basal cell carcinoma is easy to ignore because a lot of times people think the spot is a pimple or blemish that won’t heal,” George said, especially on the face, neck and ears. Here are the various skin changes to look for:

• Flat, firm or pale and yellowish areas that resemble a scar
• Pearly, translucent or shiny bumps or spots
• Red or pink raised patches that may also itch
• Open scabs or sores that don’t heal or heal and come back
• Oozing or crusted areas that bleed easily
• Growth of a bump or lesion over time

It’s important to note that basal cell carcinomas are very sensitive and bleed easily after shaving or minor injuries, the ACS says. If what you think is a nick or cut doesn’t heal within roughly a week — or you notice any of the changes above — see your doctor.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about two out of every 10 cases, the ACS says. These cancers form in squamous cells, which are the flat cells that constantly shed in the outer part of your epidermis.

Squamous cell carcinomas commonly appear on sun-exposed body parts, including the face, ears, neck, lips and back of the hands. Although this type of skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body, this is not typical and squamous cell carcinoma is easy to treat when spotted early.

Squamous cell carcinoma symptoms: Similar to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinomas tend to manifest as a pink or red bump or patch that won’t go away, George explained. However, they’re not usually pearly or shiny.

These skin cancers can also grow as a flat patch or become larger and nodular, added , board-certified dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Here are other telltale signs to look out for:

• Rough or scaly patches
• Raised bumps that may have a lower area in the center
• Open sores or scabs that don’t heal or heal and come back
• Growths that look like warts
• Itching, bleeding, crusting or pain

Melanoma is a rare form of skin cancer (it only makes up ), but it’s the deadliest, since it easily spreads to other parts of the body when not caught early.

This type of skin cancer arises from the uncontrolled growth of a type of skin cell called melanocytes, which are responsible for producing pigment in the skin, explained , an assistant clinical member at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Melanoma symptoms: Using the ABCDE method can help you spot signature skin changes that point to melanoma.

• Asymmetry: Do both halves of the lesion look the same? Melanoma lesions can appear asymmetric, whereas healthy moles are typically symmetrical.
• Border: Moles with irregular, scalloped or poorly defined edges may be melanoma. Normal moles have nice, sharp, regular borders.
• Color: Melanomas tend to be multi-colored — black, brown, red, blue or even no color at all. Healthy moles are typically one color or maybe two, but that color is evenly distributed. This isn’t so for a potentially dangerous mole.
• Diameter: If a mole is greater than 6 millimeters in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser), get it checked out.
• Evolving: If you notice a spot that is changing in any way — size, shape, color, borders, texture — or if the spot itches or bleeds, see a doctor. For more visual examples of these changes, check out these .

Also called solar keratosis, actinic keratosis is a pre-cancer or a premalignant lesion, said Rossi. Like other types of skin cancer, it’s caused by too much exposure to UV light, and most people develop more than one affected area. Some (but not all) develop into squamous cell skin cancers, so it’s important to spot actinic keratosis before it advances.

Actinic keratosis symptoms: These lesions often occur on the face, lips, ears, back of the hands and arms, but can form on other areas exposed to UV light. Here’s what to look for:

• Rough, dry or scaly patches
• Flat or slightly raised patch on the top layer of the skin
• Itching, burning or pain
• Varied pink, red or brown tones