On this page
Skin Lesions and Skin Cancers of the Hand
Understanding marks, moles and growths on the skin of the hand, including skin cancer, and how they are assessed and treated.
What types of Skin Lesions and Skin Cancers occur on the Hand?
The hands are exposed to the sun throughout life, which makes the skin on the hands a common site for sun-related skin damage and skin cancer. This page covers the range of marks, moles, growths and cancers that can develop on the skin of the hand, from harmless benign lesions through to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Skin Lesions and Skin Cancers of the Hand at a glance
What is it?
Marks, moles, growths or cancers that can develop on the skin of the hand
Common symptoms
A new or changing spot, mole or growth, or a sore that will not heal
Who it affects
People with significant sun exposure, fair skin, or a history of sunburn or skin cancer
Is it serious?
Most lesions are benign, but skin cancer is common on sun-exposed hands and needs assessment
Treatment options
Observation, biopsy, or surgical excision
First step
A consultation and examination of the lesion, with biopsy if needed
Symptoms and how Skin Lesions and Skin Cancers of the Hand presents
Signs worth having checked include a new or changing spot, a sore that does not heal, a lesion that bleeds or itches, or a mole that is changing in size, shape or colour. The ABCDE signs are a useful guide for concerning moles:
- Asymmetry, an irregular
- Border,
- Colour variation, a
- Diameter larger than 5mm, and
- Evolution or change over time.
Causes and risk factors for Skin Lesions and Skin Cancers of the Hand
- Cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime
- Fair skin type
- A history of sunburn
- Older age
- A weakened immune system
- A previous skin cancer
How are Skin Lesions and Skin Cancers of the Hand diagnosed?
Assessment starts with a careful examination of the lesion and surrounding skin. When the diagnosis is uncertain, or skin cancer is suspected, a biopsy is taken, removing all or part of the lesion so it can be examined under the microscope by a pathologist.
Treatment options for Skin Lesions and Skin Cancers of the Hand
Benign lesions that are stable and not concerning can often simply be monitored.
Lesions that are suspicious for, or confirmed to be, skin cancer are removed surgically with a margin of surrounding normal skin, and the tissue is examined by a pathologist to confirm complete removal. Depending on the size and location of the area removed, the wound may be closed directly, or may need a skin graft or local flap to cover it.
When to see a hand surgeon about Skin Lesions and Skin Cancers of the Hand
It is worth being assessed for any new, changing, non-healing or bleeding skin lesion on the hand, or any spot you are concerned about. Your GP is a great first port of call, and most patients have a biopsy of the skin lesion prior to seeing a hand surgeon for definitive treatment of a skin cancer.
What to expect at your Skin Lesions and Skin Cancers of the Hand appointment
At your appointment, Dr Tomlinson will examine the lesion and surrounding skin, as well as any biopsy results. She will discuss further treatment options and recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it?
The hands are exposed to the sun throughout life, which makes the skin on the hands a common site for sun-related skin damage and skin cancer. This covers the range of marks, moles, growths and cancers that can develop on the skin of the hand, from harmless benign lesions through to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
What causes it?
Risk factors include cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime, fair skin type, a history of sunburn, older age, a weakened immune system, and a previous skin cancer.
What can I do myself?
Signs worth having checked include a new or changing spot, a sore that does not heal, a lesion that bleeds or itches, or a mole that is changing in size, shape or colour. The ABCDE signs are a useful guide for concerning moles: asymmetry, an irregular border, colour variation, a diameter larger than 5mm, and evolution or change over time.
What can a hand therapist do?
Hand therapy isn’t typically part of treating a skin lesion itself, but if surgical removal leaves a wound needing a skin graft or flap, a hand therapist can support recovery of hand function and scar management afterwards.
What can a hand surgeon do?
Dr Tomlinson will examine the lesion and surrounding skin. When the diagnosis is uncertain, or skin cancer is suspected, a biopsy is taken. Lesions that are suspicious for, or confirmed to be, skin cancer are removed surgically with a margin of surrounding normal skin, and the tissue is examined by a pathologist to confirm complete removal. Depending on the size and location of the area removed, the wound may be closed directly, or may need a skin graft or local flap to cover it.
What can I expect from treatment?
At your appointment, Dr Tomlinson will examine the lesion and surrounding skin, your biopsy results and the next steps.
What happens if it's left untreated?
Most lesions are benign, but skin cancer is common on sun-exposed hands and needs assessment. It is worth being assessed for any new, changing, non-healing or bleeding skin lesion on the hand, or any spot you are concerned about.
Related conditions and treatments
Skin lesions arise from the surface of the skin itself. Lumps that arise from the deeper tissues beneath the skin, such as ganglion cysts, are covered under soft tissue lumps and tumours of the hand.