Don't ignore these skin cancer
warning signs.
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are
the three most frequent kinds of skin cancer in the United States and
worldwide. Knowing how skin cancer looks is necessary to stay on top of your
health—here are some warning signs and symptoms to look out for. Continue
reading
1. An Unexplained Change In Your Skin
According to the CDC, a change in your skin is the first and most
common sign of skin cancer. A sore that doesn't heal, new growth, or a changing
mole are all possible signs of skin cancer and should be checked out by a
doctor. Evelyn Jones, MD, a dermatologist, and owner of WellSprings Dermatology
and WellSprings SkinCare in Paducah, Kentucky, says, "It's crucial to go
to your dermatologist and get an annual exam." "However, I also like
to tell people that on the first of every month, they should get into the habit
of looking at their skin and getting to know it."
2. Basal Cell Carcinoma
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), basal cell
carcinoma is the most common type of cancer globally, with an estimated 2
million Americans diagnosed each year. What is the look of basal cell
carcinoma? The Mayo Clinic states that "Basal cell carcinoma is most
common in parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the neck and
face. Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat,
flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, bleeding or scabbing sore that heals
and returns."
3. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cells can be found throughout the human body and sit at
the skin's surface, protecting the tissue underneath. Squamous cell carcinoma
can affect anyone, although it is more likely in those who have had an organ
transplant, have used (or continue to use) tanning beds, or have sun-damaged,
fair skin. So what is the look of squamous cell carcinoma? According to the
Skin Cancer Foundation, "SCCs can appear as thick, rough, scaly patches
that may crust or bleed. They can also resemble warts or open sores that don't
completely heal. Sometimes SCCs show up as growths that are raised at the edges
with a lower area in the center that may bleed or itch."
4. Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer because of how
rapidly it can spread, yet it is also the most common. Here is the
commonly-used AAD's "ABCDEs" to spot signs of melanoma:
- A is for Asymmetry: One half of the spot is unlike the other half.
- B is for Border: The spot has an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
- C is for Color: The spot has varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown or black, or sizes of white, red, or blue.
- D is for Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters or about the size of a pencil eraser, they can be smaller when diagnosed.
- E is for Evolving: The spot looks different from the rest or changes in size, shape, or color.
5. How Can I Protect My Skin?
Wear sunscreen every day, wear sun-protective clothing, eat an anti-inflammatory diet, avoid indoor tanning, and keep a close check on your skin—and if you have any concerns, see a dermatologist for a thorough examination. "The American Academy of Dermatology encourages people to perform these self-skin exams regularly to stay in touch with how their skin appears," says Klint Peebles, MD, a dermatologist at Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group in Washington and suburban Maryland. "Self-skin checks are even more crucial for persons who are at a higher risk of skin cancer, such as those who have a personal or family history of the disease. Sometimes I will recommend, at the very least, making it a habit on your birthday of doing a full self-exam. So get into your birthday suit and get to know what's on your skin if it's your birthday. Remember that skin cancer can occur anywhere there is skin, not just in sun-exposed areas."