Symptoms Skin Cancer

Symptoms Skin Cancer

Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. A cancerous skin lesion can appear suddenly or develop slowly. Basal cell carcinoma
This is the most common skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is easily treated if detected early, but it’s slightly more apt to spread than is basal cell carcinoma.A firm, red nodule on your face, lips, ears, neck, hands or arms.A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface on your face, ears, neck, hands or arms

Melanoma
This is the most serious form of skin cancer and the one responsible for most skin cancer deaths. Melanoma can develop anywhere on your body, in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that turns malignant. Warning signs of melanoma include:

A large brownish spot with darker speckles located anywhere on your body

Shiny, firm, dome-shaped bumps located anywhere on your body

Less common skin cancers
Other, less common types of skin cancer include:

This rare form of skin cancer develops in the skin’s blood vessels and causes red or purple patches on the skin or mucous membranes. Like melanoma, it’s a serious form of skin cancer. Merkel cell carcinoma is usually found on sun-exposed areas on the head, neck, arms and legs. Unlike basal and squamous cell carcinomas, Merkel cell carcinoma grows rapidly and often spreads to other parts of the body.

millimeters) to more than 2 inches (about 50 millimeters). Merkel cell carcinoma is usually found on sun-exposed areas on the head, neck, arms and legs. Unlike basal and squamous cell carcinomas, Merkel cell carcinoma grows rapidly and often spreads to other parts of the body.

• Sebaceous gland carcinoma. This uncommon and aggressive cancer originates in the oil glands in the skin.

Precancerous skin lesions, such as an actinic keratosis, also can develop into squamous cell skin cancer. Not all skin changes are cancerous.In many cases, melanoma can be prevented by lowering exposure to risk factors. The major risk factor for developing any skin cancer is exposure to UV rays. UV rays are found in sunlight and are also in tanning beds and lamps. Wearing sunscreen when outdoors, staying out of the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), and if you have to be outside, try to seek shade.

Melanoma is treatable when detected early. Moles or other spots on the skin should be self examined each month. Look for any changes in the existing areas and look for new moles.

When doing a self examination, you need to look at all areas of the body. It helps to have a mirror to view all parts of the body. Look for any changes to color, shape, and size to any freckle, mole, blemish or reddened areas. It is helpful to know the ABC’s of skin cancer. The ABC’s stand for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diamter and Elevation.Sometimes these areas may be itchy, scaly, or even have a crusty appearance.