Signs of Skin Cancer

It is crucial that you are able to recognize the signs of skin cancer. The most important thing to remember is that you should always seek the advice of a medical professional when in doubt. It is always better to be safe. If skin cancer is caught early, it can be treated with successful results. However, the longer that you wait could pose a potential health risk. One of the positive aspects is that skin cancer can usually be detected in early stages.

Skin cancer usually develops in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin). It can develop on the face, neck, hands and arms but is not exclusive to these areas. Thus, you should be aware of any change to your skin at any part of your body.

According to Wikipedia, here are some signs of skin cancer: "There are a variety of different skin cancer symptoms. These include crabs or changes in the skin that do not heal, ulcers in the skin, discoloration, and changes in existing moles.

Basal cell carcinoma usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck or shoulders. Sometimes small blood vessels can be seen within the tumor. Crusting and bleeding in the center of the tumor frequently develops. It is often mistaken for a sore that does not heal.

Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly a red, scaling, thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. Ulceration and bleeding may occur. When SCC is not treated, it may develop into a large mass.

Most melanomas are brown to black looking lesions. Signs that might indicate a malignant melanoma include change in size, shape, color or elevation of a mole. The appearance of a new mole during adulthood, or new pain, itching, ulceration or bleeding of an existing mole should be checked."

If you have any questions about something that could be skin cancer, please make an appointment with a doctor and get it checked out. Prevention also plays a key role here and you should use sunscreen (spf 30 or greater) when you are out in the sun. If it is an overcast day, you can still wear sunscreen to be on the safe side. If you have children, you might want to consider using a higher spf than 30.