Did you know around 9,500 people in the States get a diagnosis of skin cancer daily? Try to prevent cancer by detecting the early signs. If you want to learn how to identify the warning signs of skin cancer, keep reading.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the symptoms of skin cancer and how to prevent it. You’ll gain some insight into the different types of skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen and identifying common signs will help.
Ready to learn more? Check out the tips below.
Have You Noticed Some Red Patches?
A common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which shows up as small red patches. The patch might feel itchy or peel easily. It will look like dry skin, but it sometimes points to something worse.
If you have a cancerous skin lesion, your immune system will begin responding. That’s why you see the red or inflammation on your skin.
People will get rashes when exposed to poison ivy or oak. Some people have susceptible skin and experience rashes more often than most. Call your doctor if you do notice a raised or reddish patch that isn’t going away.
Some people notice yellow or flat patches. While others notice pink growths that have a raised edge.
Scabs or Open Sores
Another sign of basal cell carcinoma is scabbed-over sores or bloody sores. They will look like scabby skin that people get after a horrible sunburn.
Basal cells could spread or metastasize to other areas of your body. Metastasis is when cancer cells spread from their origin to another body area.
The cancer cells will break away from the primary tumor and travel through the lymph system or blood. Then, the cells form a new tumor in other tissues or organs.
Shiny Bumps
Another sign of skin cancer is pearly or shiny bumps. These are also called basal cell carcinoma and are raised. They are usually found on the ears, neck, or face. Sometimes, they have black, blue, or brown regions.
Blood vessels might appear visible, but the lesion could burst. This could result in scabbing or bleeding.
Scaly or Red Lumps Indicate Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is another common kind of skin cancer. It’s a typical kind of skin cancer that will develop in the squamous cells. Squamous cells make up the outer and middle layers of your skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma isn’t usually life-threatening, though it’s aggressive. If untreated, squamous cell carcinoma will grow and spread to other regions of your body. This will cause significant complications.
Most of the time, this cancer results from extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This is from tanning beds, lamps, or sunlight. Avoiding UV light will help lower the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin or other types of skin cancer.
You might notice brown or red rough patches that look like scabs or warts. These are red flags that shouldn’t get ignored. Normal skin conditions will resolve in a few days.
If your lump isn’t going anywhere, you should see a doctor.
Do You Have Skin Craters?
Squamous cell carcinomas look like craters, like a tiny volcano with blood in the middle. Similar to basal cell carcinomas, these aren’t deadly. But they can cause disfigurement and damage.
If the crater doesn’t go away or if it grows, see your doctor.
Fast-Growing Bump
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare kind of skin cancer. It’s characterized by a purple, red, or pink bump. They get found on the legs, arms, neck, or face.
This can appear like other skin cancer, but it feels firm to the touch. It will grow fast and remains painless.
Non-Skin Symptoms
If melanoma does spread, the symptoms will depend on the location. If it’s in your lungs, you might experience shortness of breath. People with melanoma in their heads will experience vision issues or headaches.
If you don’t catch it in the early stage, you will receive a grim prognosis. Pay attention to your skin so you can detect early issues.
Moles
Does the half of the mole look like the other half? Is the mole without defined borders? Does the color vary? What about the diameter? Melanomas’ are larger than a pencil eraser.
Contact your doctor if you notice any of these issues.
Lesions
A raised bump on your skin is a lesion. It can develop on your face or leg. Some people out off checking these bumps, thinking they might be something else.
It’s best to always exercise caution and find out if there’s a medical reason behind it.
What Are Early Signs of Melanoma?
You can detect melanoma early when you know the signs. Melanoma can look like a sore, scar, cyst, bruise, or even an age spot. There are times when the region could itch or bleed.
Use an ABCDE method to figure out if skin growth is abnormal.
For A, you should look at asymmetry. Is the mark different looking on one half? For B, look at the border, and see if it’s jagged or irregular around the edges. C refers to the color of the spot. Is the lesion uneven in color?
Are there tiny specks of tan, brown, or black? D refers to the diameter, and you should look to see if it gets larger. Finally, E refers to evolving or elevation. Has the area changed at all?
See your dermatologist to get an evaluation if you answer yes to any questions. You can look into MOHS surgery that removes the cancerous tissue.
Other warning signs for melanoma include itchiness, pain, or sores that won’t heal. Redness, swelling, or pigment that spreads beyond the border of the spot to the surrounding area.
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer
We hope this guide on the warning signs of skin cancer was helpful.
Skin cancer signs aren’t always obvious, so if you’re unsure, contact your doctor. Look into identifying symptoms of skin cancer so you can seek treatment.
Need more helpful tips? Check our health or fitness resources on the blog today.