Skin cancer is a type of cancer that by definition affects the skin and our best chance for preventing it is by following safe sun practices. As with all cancers early diagnosis is essential if not vital. Regular self examinations can be very helpful but make sure you immediately consult a doctor at the slightest suspicion of skin cancer.
What should you look for? What are symptoms and signs of skin cancer that you can experience and detect on your own? We should start by mentioning that symptoms are different depending on the type of skin cancer involved. There are two types of skin cancers: non-melanoma and melanoma.
The non-melanoma skin cancer is much more frequent and, fortunately, also less dangerous. These are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma that appears in more than 1,000,000 people every year. The symptoms for this type of skin cancer include the formation of a small lump, a mole or even just a shiny, pale and smooth spot or a red lump that is firmer. A spot that is sore or that bleeds is also a symptom of skin cancer just like rough patches on the skin. Other things that could clue you in on the presence of skin cancer are flat, red or brown areas of the skin. Last but not least, any growth that is out of place and slightly suspicious should send you straight to your dermatologist. He can recommend treatment, confirm diagnosis or recommend further testing. Either way, there’s no need to panic before you have the dermatologist examine you. Usually, these symptoms are painless but there are isolated cases in which they can also be painful.
The other type of skin cancer is melanoma. This is far less common than non-melanoma accounting for less than 5% of the people diagnosed with cancer. Even so, it also accounts for over 75% from the patients that eventually die from the cancer. Melanoma can be brought about by abusive exposure to UV rays and it is treatable if detected early. Symptoms for melanoma skin cancer include spots or moles or any changes in the skin.
Symptoms you should look for while performing a self-examination include changes in color, shape and size of any freckle, mole or blemish. Red areas out of place are also reasons to worry. These symptoms can manifest themselves through itching, a crusty appearance and even bleeding or oozing. The last ones are indicators of really advanced cancers.
If you do detect a new mole don’t panic as it can sometimes be very difficult to tell a normal mole and a melanoma apart. Even so, for your own peace of mind, make sure you consult a dermatologists and undergo all necessary tests in order to be sure of the diagnosis.