Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the normal skin cells grow abnormally and form tumors. There are different types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Each type has its own characteristics and risk factors. Skin cancer can develop on any part of your body, but it is more likely to occur in the areas that are exposed to the sun, such as your face, scalp, chest, arms, and legs. However, it can also affect the areas that are rarely exposed, such as your palms, soles, genitals, and nail beds. Skin cancer can affect people of any skin tone, but it is more common and dangerous in people with fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes. The good news is that skin cancer is highly treatable if detected early. That is why it is important to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of skin cancer and to check your skin regularly for any changes. In this article, we will discuss the 7 warning signs of skin cancer that you should not ignore.
1. A new or changing mole
One of the most common signs of skin cancer is a new or changing mole. Amole is a small, brown spot on your skin that is usually harmless. However, some moles can become cancerous over time or indicate the presence of melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer.
You should examine your moles once a month and look for the following changes:
- Size: A mole that grows larger than a pencil eraser or changes in size rapidly.
- Shape: A mole that has irregular, jagged, or blurry edges or that is asymmetrical (not round or oval).
- Color: A mole that has different shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue or that changes color over time.
- Texture: A mole that becomes rough, scaly, crusty, or bumpy or that bleeds or oozes.
- Sensation: A mole that becomes itchy, painful, tender, or numb.
If you notice any of these changes in your moles, you should see a dermatologist as soon as possible. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in skin diseases and can diagnose and treat skin cancer. The dermatologist may perform a biopsy, which is a procedure that involves removing a small sample of tissue from the mole and examining it under a microscope.
2. A pearly or waxy bump
Another sign of skin cancer is a pearly or waxy bump on your skin. This bump may be white, pink, or flesh-colored and may have a shiny or translucent appearance. It may also have blood vessels or indentations on its surface. This bump is usually a sign of basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma develops from the basal cells, which are the cells that line the deepest layer of the skin. It is caused by long-term exposure to the sun or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as tanning beds. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can grow deeper into the skin and damage the surrounding tissues and bones.
A pearly or waxy bump may appear on any part of your body, but it is more common on the face, ears, and neck. It may grow slowly or rapidly and may bleed or ulcerate. If you notice a pearly or waxy bump on your skin, you should consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
3. A flat, scaly patch
A flat, scaly patch on your skin may also indicate skin cancer. This patch may be red, brown, or gray and may have a rough or sandpaper-like texture. It may also be dry, itchy, or inflamed. This patch is usually a sign of squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type of skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma develops from the squamous cells, which are the cells that make up the outer layer of the skin. It is also caused by chronic exposure to the sun or other sources of UV radiation. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread to the lymph nodes and other organs if left untreated.
A flat, scaly patch may occur on any part of your body, but it is more frequent in the areas that are exposed to the sun, such as your face, ears, and hands. It may also occur in the areas that are not exposed to the sun, such as your mouth, genitals, and anus. If you notice a flat, scaly patch on your skin, you should see a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
4. A scar-like area
A scar-like area on your skin may also be a sign of skin cancer. This area may be white, yellow, or flesh-colored and may have a smooth or shiny surface. It may also have a raised or depressed border. This area is usually a sign of a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer called dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).
DFSP develops from the fibroblasts, which are the cells that produce collagen and other proteins that support the skin. It is not clear what causes DFSP, but it may be related to genetic mutations or previous injuries to the skin. DFSP can grow deep into the skin and invade the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
A scar-like area may appear on any part of your body, but it is more common on the trunk, arms, and legs. It may grow slowly or rapidly and may change in size, shape, or color. If you notice a scar-like area on your skin, you should seek medical attention immediately.
5. A non-healing sore
A non-healing sore on your skin may also be a warning sign of skin cancer. This sore may be red, pink, or brown and may have a crusty, scaly, or ulcerated surface. It may also bleed, ooze, or become infected. This sore is usually a sign of a type of skin cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).
CTCL develops from the T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections and diseases. It is not known what causes CTCL, but it may be linked to viral infections, immune system disorders, or environmental factors. CTCL can affect the skin and other organs, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow.
A non-healing sore may appear on any part of your body, but it is more common in the areas that are covered by clothing, such as your chest, back, buttocks, and legs. It may persist for months or years and may worsen over time. If you notice a non-healing sore on your skin, you should visit a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
6. A hard, red lump
A hard, red lump on your skin may also be a sign of skin cancer. This lump may be firm, tender, or painful and may have a smooth or rough surface. It may also have a dimple or a depression in the center. This lump is usually a sign of a type of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
MCC develops from the Merkel cells, which are the cells that sense touch and pressure on the skin. It is caused by a virus called the Merkel cell polyomavirus, which infects the skin cells and makes them grow uncontrollably. MCC is a very rare but aggressive type of skin cancer that can spread quickly to the lymph nodes and other organs.
A hard, red lump may appear on any part of your body, but it is more common in the areas that are exposed to the sun, such as your face, head, and neck. It may grow rapidly and may change in size, shape, or color. If you notice a hard, red lump on your skin, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
7. A dark spot under your nail
A dark spot under your nail may also be a sign of skin cancer. This spot may be black, brown, or purple and may have irregular or jagged edges. It may also grow larger or wider over time. This spot is usually a sign of a type of melanoma called acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM).
ALM develops from the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to your skin, hair, and eyes. It is caused by genetic mutations or unknown factors. ALM is a rare but serious type of skin cancer that can affect people of any skin tone, but it is more common in people with darker skin.
A dark spot under your nail may occur on any of your fingernails or toenails, but it is more frequent on your thumbs or big toes. It may be mistaken for a bruise, a fungal infection, or a blood clot. If you notice a dark spot under your nail, you should see a dermatologist for examination and treatment.
Conclusion
Skin cancer is a serious condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or skin color. It is important to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of skin cancer and to check your skin regularly for any changes. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, you should consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can save your life and prevent complications. Remember to protect your skin from the sun and other sources of UV radiation by wearing sunscreen, clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Stay healthy and take care of your skin.
FAQs
Q: What are the 7 warning signs of skin cancer?
A: The 7 warning signs of skin cancer are:
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A new or unusual spot or mark on your skin that doesn’t go away
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A spot that oozes, bleeds, gets scaly or crusty, or doesn’t heal
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A lesion that spontaneously bleeds without being picked at
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A mole with redness or swelling beyond its borders
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A mole with poorly defined borders
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A mole that grows or changes shape or color
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A painful lesion that itches or burns
Q: How can I check my skin for signs of skin cancer?
A: You can check your skin for signs of skin cancer by doing a full-body self-exam in front of a mirror once a month.
Look for any changes in your moles, spots, or marks, and pay attention to areas that are exposed to the sun, such as your face, scalp, chest, arms, and legs. You should also check places that are rarely exposed, such as your palms, soles, genitals, and nail beds. If you notice anything new, unusual, or changing on your skin, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Q: What are the different types of skin cancer and how are they treated?
A: The three major types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are also known as nonmelanoma skin cancers, and they usually develop on sun-exposed areas of your skin. They are generally less aggressive and more treatable than melanoma, which can develop anywhere in your body and can spread to other organs. The treatment options for skin cancer depend on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer, as
well as your overall health and preferences. Some common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Q: Can skin cancer affect people of any skin tone?
A: Yes, skin cancer can affect people of any skin tone, including those with darker complexions. However, skin cancer may look different or occur in different areas depending on your skin color. For example, melanoma in people with dark skin tones is more likely to occur on the palms, soles, or under the nails, rather than on sun-exposed areas. Therefore, it is important to check your entire body for any signs of skin cancer, regardless of your skin tone.
Q: How can I prevent skin cancer?
A: You can prevent skin cancer by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds. You should also protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, clothing, hats, and sunglasses when you go outside. You should also avoid smoking, which can increase your risk of skin cancer, and eat a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables, which contain antioxidants that may help prevent skin damage. Additionally, you should see a doctor regularly for skin exams and report any changes in your skin. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can improve your chances of survival and recovery.
