Symptoms of Skin Cancer: Spotting the Early Warning Signs
Recognizing the symptoms of skin cancer early can make a significant difference in successful treatment and recovery. Skin cancer often begins as subtle changes in the skin, such as new growths, sores that don’t heal, or changes in the appearance of moles. These signs may vary depending on the type of skin cancer, making it essential to pay close attention to your skin and consult a healthcare provider if anything looks suspicious. Early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes and helps prevent complications.
1. Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
The signs of Basal cell carcinoma include:
- Sores that don’t cure after seven to 10 days
- Red Patch that may be itchy or bleed easily
- Shiny bump
This usually appears on the areas of your body that are exposed to the sun. It tends to be easy to treat and grows very slowly, making it less likely to spread to other organs like muscle or bones.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
- Scaly red patches that bleed
- Open sores that bleed and don’t cure
- Tender raised growths
It often causes intense itching, which further irritates and inflames your skin. Rubbing these areas of your skin can lead to infections. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can grow larger and can even spread to lymph nodes and other organs.
3. Melanoma Symptoms
This is the most common type of skin cancer and most frequently develops on women’s legs and on the chest, back, head, and neck of men. However, this type of skin cancer can be found in any part of the body, including your eye.
You can use the “ABCDE” method to determine if a mole can be melanoma.
- A – asymmetrical: Cancer moles are asymmetrical, which means that one-half of the cancerous cells look different from the other.
- B – border: The edges of a cancerous mole will be ragged, raised, or notched in borders, whereas a healthy mole should feel smooth and even.
- C – change in colour: The cancerous mole will have different colours like tan, brown, black, red, white, blue, whereas a healthy mole will have a uniform colour.
- D – diameter: The cancerous mole will be larger than 6 mm, about the diameter of a pencil eraser.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What are the early signs of skin cancer?
A. Early signs include new growths, moles that change in shape or color, and sores that don’t heal. Unusual itching, bleeding, or crusting may also occur.
Q2. How do I know if a mole is cancerous?
A. Use the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6mm, and Evolving appearance. A dermatologist should evaluate suspicious moles.
Q3. Can skin cancer be painless?
A. Yes, many types of skin cancer cause no pain in the early stages. That’s why it’s important to regularly examine your skin and consult a doctor about any changes.
Next in Skin Cancer
Author Bio:
Dr. Yashashree Joshi – MBBS, MD (Philippines)
Dr. Yashashree Joshi, MD, is a globally-trained oncologist with a robust academic background and extensive experience in pioneering cancer treatments. Dedicated to patient-centered care, she continually integrates the latest advancements in oncology to provide her patients with innovative and personalized treatment plans.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
