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What are the Signs of Skin Cancer?
Signs of skin cancer are easily recognizable, and causes growths and changes in skin surface and color. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can be invasive and disfiguring, and melanoma is among the deadliest of all cancers. Most cases are caused by outdoor sun exposure, sunlamps, and tanning beds. It is important to check the body for signs of skin cancer on a regular basis.
Basal cell carcinoma makes up 90% of skin cancers. It appears as a shiny or pearly bump, flat scaly patch, or a darker, scarlike lesion. Basal cell carcinomas grow very slowly over months or years and don’t spread into other parts of the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma appears first as a red nodule or crusty lesion known as actinic keratosis. This particular malignancy can arise in other organs that contain squamous cells, such as the lining of the digestive and respiratory tracts. People with light-colored skin who have a history of sun exposure are the most likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma.
Melanoma is a fast-spreading cancer that begins in the melanocytes, or pigment cells, and causes 79% of all skin cancer deaths. It may begin as changes in a mole or as a completely independent growth. This cancer is usually found on the torsos of males and the lower legs of females, areas typically exposed to the sun. Melanoma can invade the lymph system, which can spread it to every part of the body.
The American Academy of Dermatology developed the A-B-C-D-E system for spotting signs of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. A is for asymmetry, B for irregular border, C is for a mole that is more than one color, D is for a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and E is for a mole that changes, or evolves, over time. Scaling, itching, or bleeding may also occur. These signals should be brought to the prompt attention of a physician.
If skin cancer is caught early, it is very curable. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are easily removed by punch biopsy or excision. Early-stage melanomas that have not spread can be completely removed along with surrounding tissue. Later-stage melanomas will require surgery to remove affected lymph nodes, as well as chemotherapy.
Prevention is important and includes staying out of the sun during peak times of the day, usually between ten a.m. and two p.m. In places such as Australia and Africa where sunlight is stronger, hats are often worn along with copious amounts of sunscreen to protect the face, ears, and neck. Tanning booths are carcinogenic and should be avoided. A monthly all-over skin check is recommended to watch for signs of skin cancer and can be performed at home with the aid of a mirror.
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![Flat skin mole.]()
Flat skin mole. -
![A raised mole.]()
By: paulandlaraA raised mole. -
![The American Academy of Dermatology gives a "C" code to a mole that is more than one color.]()
By: Alexander RathsThe American Academy of Dermatology gives a "C" code to a mole that is more than one color. -
![The UV rays from tanning beds put frequent users at risk for developing skin cancer.]()
By: RidoThe UV rays from tanning beds put frequent users at risk for developing skin cancer. -
![Skin cancer may occur when skin cells are irrevocably damaged by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.]()
By: NetwalkerSkin cancer may occur when skin cells are irrevocably damaged by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Discussion Comments
@Grivusangel -- Make sure you put sunscreen on that spot when you go outside.
I have a couple of moles that I keep an eye on. One good way to keep track of them is to take a photo of them every so often. Save the files on your computer and look at them in series once in a while so you can see if the place has changed at all over time. It's sometimes easier to see in a series what changes have taken place.
And just stay out of the sun. Don't make a habit of tanning. Use good sunblock. It's so much better for your skin, and really keeps you looking a lot younger than you otherwise would.
Cooking in a tanning bed or outside in the sun isn't worth the potential risks for a temporary tan.
I have a little dot on my left arm that has kind of a shiny look. I've had my doctor look at it and she looks at it every time I see her. It hasn't grown at all, and the appearance hasn't changed, but it does worry me a little.
My doctor gave me strict instructions to leave it alone, but just to keep an eye on it, in case it ever changed or started looking darker or lighter. She said cutting it out could aggravate it unless it already looked like it was growing. But she still looks at it every time she sees me so she can keep tabs on it.
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