Signs of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a common cancer that can develop quickly on any exposed part of your extremities, scalp, hands, or neck. However, more complicated forms of skin cancer can develop on your palms and other parts of your body that are not commonly known to have skin cancer cells growing. This makes noticing the signs of skin cancer extremely difficult, especially if an obscure or hard to see location is at risk.
Skin cancer does affect those of all races, genders, ages, and walks of life. Many people believe the common myth that those of darker color do not need to wear sunblock and take part in sun protection. This is a major problem because it is increasing the skin cancer rates of Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, and other races and ethnicities with normally dark skin tone. Dark skinned individuals need to look out for skin cancer signs in those hard to see places – because studies show they are at higher risk to develop cancer in those areas.
Cancerous skin cells may or may not be noticeable at first glance. Even many doctors have a difficult time identifying some cancerous moles to begin with and a biopsy is required. With the few types of skin cancer out there it is very important to check for all of the signs of skin cancer regularly.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This type of cancer is a common skin cancer that is treated quickly, and usually results in recovery if done soon enough. The signs of basal cell carcinoma are:
-A pearly bump on your face, ears, or neck. The mole or bump could also be waxy to the touch, and may resemble a pimple or skin sore.
-Flat brown or nude colored scar like tissue on your chest or back is also a sign to look out for. If you go into the sun often without a shirt (particularly men) then have someone check your back for these signs.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
In order, Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type, but it also spreads easier and is much riskier to have if not treated quickly. There are cases where this type of skin cancer has become mildly aggressive. This is a scary type of skin cancer because it can develop in areas that you will never be able to see without the aid of a doctor and medical tools. The signs of squamous cell carcinoma are:
-Check for a firm red semi-hard bump on your face, ears, neck, hands, arms, or lower lip.
-On the same areas listed above, check for flat and scaly lesions, similar to a dried pimple or facial cyst. The two are very different but have similar appearances.
-If you have pre-existing scar tissue check for new growths over those. This is a major sign of squamous cell carcinoma and should be checked immediately.
-Ulcers and white patches in the mouth.
-Red patches inside the anus or genitals are also signs of skin cancer that should be monitored.
Squamous Carcinoma is a tricky type of skin cancer. There is nothing straight forward about identifying and treating this cancer. It is especially important to check your body for signs of this type of cancer. It is slow growing, but if you notice the above symptoms get it checked immediately.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the type of skin cancer you hear about most often in the media and advertisements that try to persuade you to wear sun-block and other forms of sun protection. It is a very serious type of skin cancer and leads to death for millions each year. Melanoma is aggressive, and can seemingly appear out of nowhere. Men who are affected with Melanoma will get it on their torso or head. Women often notice it on their arms or legs. Everyone should regularly check for the following signs of skin cancer:
-Large brown spots on your body with “freckle” like spots inside.
-Moles that change in anyway, whether its color, size, texture, or overall “design.”
-Any abnormal skin tissue on the torso that is small and irregular with blue dots or with irregular borders.
-Shiny dome bumps that look similar to a fresh pink scar, but are firm and slightly hard to the touch. These can be anywhere.
-Dark lesions anywhere on your body where mucus membranes are located. This includes the anus, fingers, palms, inside of the mouth, penis, or vagina.
Other Skin Cancer Signs
There are other types of skin cancer out there, which is why a yearly or twice yearly screening is very important. Skin cancer attacks young women, and anyone that regularly is in the sun unprotected. Lesions, bumps, nodules, irregular moles, and other skin abnormalities should be checked immediately by a dermatologist or medical professional who can refer you to another doctor.