Skin cancer is an incredibly serious condition, with the potential to cause immense physical and emotional suffering. It’s important for people to be aware of the signs that may indicate skin cancer so that they can seek treatment quickly if necessary. Knowing what signs to look for can also help individuals take preventive action early as well. In this article, we’ll cover some of the common signs that you might have skin cancer, and provide information on how to determine if they are a cause for concern.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide each year. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of skin cancer in order to identify it early and begin treatment as soon as possible. Common signs of skin cancer include changes in the color or texture of moles, warts, or other blemishes on the skin; growths that may bleed, itch, or crust over; scaly patches that do not heal; sores that ooze or become irritated easily; and unexplained pain in any area of the body.
If you notice any changes to your existing moles or have developed new ones, it’s essential to get them checked by a qualified healthcare professional right away. To determine if these are causes for concern, your skin cancer specialist in Huntsville AL will perform a full examination including checking your overall health history and reviewing your family health history.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common type of skin cancer and appears as a small bump or sore on sun-exposed skin. To determine if it’s a cause for concern, look for changes in size, shape, color, or if it bleeds or becomes painful.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC affects the top layer of the skin and appears as a rough, scaly patch or raised red bump. Look for changes in size, shape, color, or if it becomes painful or starts to bleed to determine if it’s a concern.
Melanoma is a dangerous type of skin cancer and appears as a dark, irregularly shaped mole. To determine if it’s a concern, look for asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, large size, and if it changes in shape, color, or size.
Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma
Sebaceous gland carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that affects the oil glands. To determine if it’s a concern, look for a red, scaly bump that may crust, bleed, or become painful.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer that appears as a firm, painless bump. To determine if it’s a concern, look for changes in size, shape, and color, or if it becomes painful.
Prevention of Skin Cancer
Prevention of skin cancer is important to minimize the risk of developing the disease. To prevent skin cancer, it is recommended to limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Seek shade when the sun is at its strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoid using tanning beds, which emit harmful UV rays, and perform regular self-examinations to check for any changes or new growths on the skin. If you have any suspicious moles or growths, it is important to have them checked by a dermatologist. By taking these preventive measures, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.