Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer? Thankfully, there are many ways to identify and treat it before it turns dangerous.
However, in some cases, it is not so easy to spot or deal with. When most people think of skin cancer, they think of melanoma and the rash-like spots that appear on your skin. This is the most serious version of the disease but not the only one you need to keep an eye on. According to Endwell dermatologist, there are several other forms of skin cancer that are equally threatening and must be treated as soon as possible.
Here are some signs of skin cancer that you should not ignore.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is any disease in which the cells in the skin grow abnormally and tend to spread to other parts of the body.
There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While all three types can appear anywhere on the skin, certain areas are more prone to certain types. Squamous cell carcinoma most often appears on areas of the body that get a lot of sun exposure, like the head, neck, arms, and legs. Basal cell carcinoma is more common on the head, face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, even if the skin is not exposed to the sun.
There are many factors that can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, including your age, sex, skin type, and family history. To lower your risk of getting skin cancer, you should avoid direct sun exposure, wear sunscreen, and check your skin regularly for suspicious spots. If you notice any changes in your skin that are new, growing, bleeding, or itching, you should see a doctor or dermatologist right away.
Know Your Risk Factors: Where and How to Check
If you have a family history of skin cancer or have a fair skin type, you are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer. You should also keep a close eye on your moles, as they can be a sign of skin cancer. If you notice any changes in their appearance, you should have them checked out by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
One of the best ways to identify moles that may be problematic is to do a monthly skin self-exam. Here’s what you need to do:
- Look for moles: Every month, use a bright light (or a lamp if you have one) to look at all your moles. Take a piece of paper and mark the moles that you feel are problematic in any way.
- Look for changes: Check to see if any of your moles have changed in size, shape, color, or surface texture. If they have, put a mark next to them.
- Repeat: Every month, repeat the process and see if any of your moles have changed in any way. If they have, make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible to get them checked out.
A Basal Cell Carcinoma May Be Growing
When a basal cell carcinoma grows, it can get infected and lead to a large wound on your skin. If you find an unusual, growing wound on your body, it is probably a basal cell carcinoma. The best thing to do is to get it checked by a doctor and treated immediately.
A basal cell carcinoma can show up as a red, scaly patch on your skin. It is usually found in areas of your body that get a lot of sun exposure. You can identify it by its rough, crumbly texture and reddish-brown color. The good news is that basal cell carcinomas are the easiest types of skin cancer to treat. The best way to spot a basal cell carcinoma is to examine your skin with a magnifying glass. This can be done once every month, as part of your monthly skin self-examination. If you notice a red, scaly patch on your skin, you can also use a handheld mirror to take a better look at it.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma May Be Growing
Squamous cell carcinomas are common in areas that are often exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, arms, and legs. They can also appear in areas that have been burned or injured. A squamous cell carcinoma usually grows slowly and does not cause any symptoms until it grows large enough to be seen. Once it becomes large enough, it can cause pain, itching, bleeding, and pressure.
A squamous cell carcinoma can be identified by a red, scaly patch on your skin that has a crumbly texture – like a scab that has healed and fallen off. It is usually red or pink in color, although it can also be grey, white, yellow, or brown.
Melanoma May Be Growing, Too
Melanomas are the most serious type of skin cancer. They are identified by a change in the color of your skin – from pink to red, tan to brown, or dark grey to black. They can also appear as a lump or a patch of new skin. If you notice a change in your skin color, you should get it checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Melanomas are hard to spot, so you need to be extra careful. You can identify them by their color and texture.
Conclusion
Skin cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent it from becoming life-threatening. There are many types of skin cancer, so it can be hard to spot them. However, there are several signs of skin cancer that you should keep an eye on. If you notice any of them on your skin, don’t ignore them – get them checked out as soon as possible.
