How Do You Know If You Have Skin Cancer?









Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the US. With advances in medicine, and regular checkups, your primary care physician and dermatologist can provide you with the necessary screenings to watch for skin cancer. At the end of the day though, you are your skin’s first line of defense. Screen yourself regularly with the help of a hand mirror. If you notice a strange spot, call specialist to have it examined.Skin cancer occurs when abnormal skin cells grow out of control and form tumors. The most common skin cancers are:: Cells that are flat and constantly shedding, squamous cell carcinoma looks like open sores, scaly red patches or growths. When the cells become cancerous, they can slowly spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.: Often found in sun-exposed areas like the shoulders, neck and head, basal cell carcinoma can come back if not removed completely. Patients who have had basal cell carcinoma are more likely to get it again.: This very serious form of skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body and be deadly, if not diagnosed early. Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment.All potentially cancerous skin growths must be biopsied to confirm a cancer diagnosis. Depending on the suspected type of skin cancer, the biopsy techniques vary slightly but crucially.Any potential melanoma requires a surgical biopsy, in which the entire growth is removed with a scalpel if possible. A pathologist then studies the sample under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. But this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Skin cancer occurs when the body does not repair damage to the DNA inside skin cells, allowing the cells to divide and grow uncontrollably. Skin cell damage may be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and skin type. But most cases of skin cancer are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light produced by the sun. Skin cancer may appear as a dark spot, lesion, a wound that does not heal or a bump on the skin. The type of skin cancer depends on the cells that are damaged.You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages. Early detection of skin cancer gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment.Skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, often start as changes to your skin. They can be new growths or precancerous lesions, changes that are not cancer but could become cancer over time. An estimated 40% to 50% of fair-skinned people who live to be 65 will develop at least one skin cancer.Skin cancer is the cancer you can see. Unlike cancers that develop inside the body, skin cancers form on the outside and are usually visible. That’s why skin exams, both at home and with a dermatologist, are especially vital.Early detection saves lives. Learning what to look for on your own skin gives you the power to detect cancer early when it’s easiest to cure, before it can become dangerous, disfiguring or deadly.Since most skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet light exposure, skin cancers are generally not considered to be inherited. But the fact that skin cancer is much more common among poorly pigmented individuals and that skin color is inherited does support the proposition that genetics are very important. There are some very rare genetic syndromes that result in an increased number of skin cancers in those affected.Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the face, scalp, lips, neck, ears, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. But it can also form on areas that rarely see the light of day, your palms, beneath your fingernails or toenails, and your genital area.For skin cancer detection a good knowledge of the symptoms of this disease is essential. Skin cancer has been categorized into three different types and the symptoms of the disease vary according to its types.Basal cell carcinomaA flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like scratch on skinA pearly or transparent bump on skinSquamous cell carcinomaA flat scratch with a flaking, crusted surfaceA knot - like bump on the skin that is firm and redMelanomaA color changing mole that seems like bleedingA bruise on the foot that does not heal.A small scratch with an irregular border and portions that appear red, white, blue or blue-blackDark cuts on palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining mouth, nose, vagina or anusSkin cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. When melanoma occurs in people with dark skin tones, it's more likely to occur in areas not normally exposed to the sun, such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.Cancer can spread through tissue, the lymph system, and the blood:Lymph system. The cancer spreads from where it began by getting into the lymphsystem. The cancer travels through the lymph vessels to other parts of the body.Tissue. The cancer spreads from where it began by growing into nearby areas.Blood. The cancer spreads from where it began by getting into the blood. The cancer travels through the blood vessels to other parts of the body.Basal cell carcinoma usually occurs in sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your face or neck.Basal cell carcinoma may appear as:A pearly or waxy bumpA bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returnsA flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesionSquamous cell carcinoma signs and symptomsMost often, squamous cell carcinoma occurs on sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your hands, face, and ears. People with darker skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma on areas that aren't often exposed to the sun.Melanoma signs include:A large brownish spot with darker specklesA painful lesion that itches or burnsA small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, pink, white, blue or blue-blackA mole that changes in color, size or feel or that bleedsDark lesions on your soles, palms, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining your mouth, nose, vagina or anusSquamous cell carcinoma may appear as:A firm, red noduleMelanoma signs and symptomsA flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surfaceMelanoma can develop anywhere on your body, in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous. Melanoma most often appears on the face or the trunk of affected men. In women, this type of cancer most often develops on the lower legs. In both men and women, melanoma can occur on skin that hasn't been exposed to the sun.Melanoma can affect people of any skin tone. In people with darker skin tones, melanoma tends to occur on the palms or soles, or under the fingernails or toenails.