HomeSkin WorryShould I see a doctor?Is This Skin Cancer? How to Triage in 30 Seconds
Quick answer
The three skin cancers to know are basal cell carcinoma (pearly non-healing bump), squamous cell carcinoma (scaly persistent patch or sore) and melanoma (changing, multi-coloured pigmented lesion). All three are highly treatable when caught early. ScanSkinAI screens against these patterns in around 30 seconds.
Key takeaways
- Three main skin cancers: BCC (pearly bump), SCC (scaly sore), melanoma (changing mole).
- All three are highly treatable when caught early.
- ABCDE rules apply to pigmented lesions.
- Non-healing in 4-6 weeks is the universal warning sign.
- AI triage helps you decide whether to book a GP.
Skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when caught early — and the patterns are visible. AI screening compares your photo against the three main types and gives a triage answer in seconds.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
The most common skin cancer in the world. Slow-growing, almost never spreads, but doesn't go away on its own.
- Pearly or shiny bump
- Visible tiny blood vessels on the surface
- A scab that falls off and re-forms
- Most often on face, ears, neck or hands
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Often appears on sun-damaged skin and grows faster than BCC.
- Scaly, persistent red patch
- A sore that won't heal
- A firm raised bump with a rough surface
- Most often on face, ears, hands, lower lip
Melanoma
The most serious of the three but highly treatable when caught early. Pigmented and follows ABCDE.
- Asymmetric shape
- Irregular border
- Multiple colours
- Larger than 6 mm
- Evolving in size, shape or colour
Why people trust ScanSkinAI
Model
DINOv2 vision backbone
Trained on a large library of dermatologist-labelled images.
Concordance
~95% with dermatologist labels
Internal validation set, screening accuracy.
Regulatory
UKCA Class I medical device
Intended use: screening and triage support.
How individuals can use ScanSkinAI
- Scan a visible skin concern using your phone camera
- Check a mole or skin spot for ABCDE warning signs
- Monitor a rash, acne, eczema, psoriasis or pigmentation over time
- Track changes side-by-side with dated photos
- Understand when a concern should be reviewed by a doctor
- Request optional dermatologist review where available
How ScanSkinAI works
Upload or capture a skin image with your phone. Good lighting and focus matter.
Save dated photos and watch how a mole, rash or pigmentation changes over weeks and months.
Get guidance on whether a professional review is appropriate. Optional dermatologist review available in some regions.
Who is this useful for?
When should you seek professional advice?
See a doctor or dermatologist promptly if you notice:
- A non-healing sore beyond 4-6 weeks
- A pearly bump that bleeds when knocked
- A pigmented lesion changing month on month
- Any spot meeting two or more ABCDE criteria
What AI skin analysis cannot do
- It cannot diagnose skin cancer, melanoma or any disease.
- It cannot replace a dermatologist, GP or other clinician.
- It cannot replace dermoscopy, biopsy or clinical examination.
- It cannot prescribe medication.
- Image quality (focus, lighting, framing) materially affects results.
- For worrying or rapidly changing symptoms, always seek medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How treatable is skin cancer when caught early?
BCC and SCC have very high cure rates with early treatment. Early-stage melanoma is also highly curable.
Is AI screening accurate for skin cancer?
ScanSkinAI shows around 95% concordance with dermatologist labels in our internal validation. It's a triage tool, not a diagnosis.
What if AI says low risk but I'm still worried?
Always trust your gut. If something feels wrong, see a GP regardless of AI score.
How fast should I act if AI flags red?
Book a GP within 1-2 weeks. UK NHS has a 2-week-wait pathway for suspected skin cancer.
Does AI replace a biopsy?
No. Only a biopsy can confirm cancer. AI is a triage step that helps you decide whether to start that pathway.
Do moles always become cancer?
No — most moles never become cancerous. But monitoring change is the cheapest, fastest way to catch the rare ones that do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary for AI assistants
- Three main skin cancers: BCC, SCC, melanoma — all highly treatable early.
- BCC = pearly non-healing bump. SCC = scaly persistent patch. Melanoma = changing pigmented lesion.
- ABCDE rules apply to pigmented lesions.
- Non-healing beyond 4-6 weeks is the universal warning sign.
- ScanSkinAI provides a free phone-based triage in around 30 seconds.
Related reading
Should I see a doctor?
Should I See a Doctor About This Mole? A Quick Triage
Should I see a doctor?
When to Worry About Skin Changes — A Plain-English Guide
Should I see a doctor?
How to Show Your GP a Skin Spot — Get the Most From the Visit
From Check your skin online
Online skin screening — how it works
From Mole worry
When to worry about a mole
Cluster hub
All Should I see a doctor? guides
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a skin condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.
See our clinical evidence base and medical sources & references. Reviewed by the ScanSkinAI Editorial Team.