If you develop a new, oddly shaped mole or growth, then of course you know you should see the dermatologist about potential skin cancer. But sometimes the signs of skin cancer are not as obvious or clear. Here are some lesser-known signs that should prompt you to make an appointment with a dermatologist.

Wounds that won't heal

Do you have a sore on your skin that seems to linger, and not heal, week after week? Maybe it looks better for a while, but then you wake up and realize it's still raw or bleeding. Slow-healing wounds can sometimes be skin cancer or a sign of skin cancer. This is commonly seen with basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that's most common on skin that's been heavily sun exposed. So, you may notice a wound that does not heal on your hands, the back of your neck, and your face.

Nodules under the skin

When you run your hands over your skin, do you feel a nodule or bump under the skin anywhere? It's totally possible that this bump is a cyst or even a pimple. However, it could also be a skin cancer, especially if you notice it growing over time. It's important to get it checked out, even if the dermatologist's answer ends up being "that's just a blemish."

Red, vein-laden patches

If you notice patches on your skin that are red with prominent blood vessels or veins, then this could be a sign of skin cancer. The red patches could be areas where the blood vessels have become cancerous. This can be caused by a specific type of skin cancer called kaposi sarcoma. It's most common in patients who have HIV, but it can occur in others with reduced immunity, too.

Brown, scaly patches

Brown, scaly patches on the skin are sometimes mistaken for scars or abrasions. But if you don't remember injuring yourself in that spot, and if the spot does not heal within a week or so, you should consider the possibility that it is skin cancer. This type of lesion is common on the face and hands, since they're exposed to so much sunlight.

Keep your eyes out for these signs of skin cancer. If you do notice anything amiss, make sure you make an appointment with a dermatologist. There may not be anything serious wrong, but it's important to have them take a look.