Skin cancer on the neck is one of the most common parts of the body to develop the disease.   What does skin cancer look like on your neck? You may notice a wart-like lesion or sore that may be raised, crusty, or irregular compared to the surrounding area. Discover the early signs of skin cancer on the neck with this overview. 

What Does Skin Cancer Look Like on Your Neck? 

Any body part that sees excessive exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays is at bigger risk for getting skin cancer. Especially for areas that are frequently uncovered by clothing, such as the head, neck, and face, too much sunlight can force skin cells to develop at an irregular rate, resulting in a variety of skin cancer lesions. 

There are three types of skin cancer on the neck: 

• Basal cell skin cancer: as the most common form of skin cancer, basal cell skin cancer comes with a wide range of physical markers, though it often appears as a waxy, flesh-colored sore that may bleed or puss but refuse to heal.
• Squamous cell skin cancer: another common skin cancer type, squamous cell skin cancer often looks like a firm red bump or crusty patch of skin.  
• Melanoma: the most intrusive form of skin cancer often begins as a mole and then evolves in color, size, and shape, growing with irregular borders.  

With so many skin conditions to be aware of, it can sometimes be difficult to determine whether or not a change in appearance is actually skin cancer. For example, rashes are often a side effect of a new medication or environmental stimulant, making a skin cancer rash on the neck a more rare occurrence. Still, any significant development to your skin that does not heal itself within a reasonable amount of time should be examined by a dermatologist. 

Early Signs of Skin Cancer on the Neck  

Knowing the early signs of skin cancer helps you stay on top of your skin’s health, although looking for a cancerous growth on the back of your neck may be more challenging. Performing a self examination on a regular basis is a good preventative measure, keeping you aware of any new bumps, sores, or discolorations. Skin cancer on the neck is a slow developing disease, meaning it will often start small and build over time. Scheduling an annual skin cancer screening will give you professional guidance for any troublesome developments. 

Consider Image-Guided SRT as a Surgery-free Treatment for Skin Cancer on the Neck

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer on the neck, ask your dermatologist about Image-Guided SRT, the surgery-free treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer. This safe, effective treatment is an alternative to Mohs surgery and delivers results without cutting or scarring. Find out how it works to learn more.